Let’s be honest: going to the doctor can feel intimidating. Maybe it’s been years since your last checkup. Maybe you’ve never had a regular doctor. Maybe you’re worried about what they’ll find, what it’ll cost, or how you’ll even explain what’s bothering you.
You’re not alone in feeling this way. Millions of Americans avoid the doctor because of anxiety, fear, or just not knowing what to expect.
Here’s the good news: your first appointment at Syracuse Community Health is designed to be comfortable, straightforward, and judgment-free. Whether it’s been six months or six years since you saw a doctor, we’re just glad you’re taking this step for your health.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after your first appointment. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel confident and ready.
Let’s do this together.
Before Your Appointment: What to Bring
Nothing’s worse than showing up to an appointment and realizing you forgot something important. Here’s your complete checklist of what to bring:
Essential Documents:
1. Photo ID
- Driver’s license
- State ID
- Passport
- School ID (if you’re a student)
- Any government-issued ID with your photo
Why we need it: To verify your identity and create your medical record
2. Insurance Card (If You Have Insurance)
- Health insurance card (front and back)
- Prescription insurance card if separate
- Medicare or Medicaid card
Don’t have insurance? That’s okay! Bring documents for our sliding fee scale instead:
- Recent pay stubs (last 2-3 paychecks)
- Last year’s tax return
- Unemployment paperwork
- Social Security statements
- Letter stating no income (if applicable)
Why we need it: To determine your payment options and make healthcare affordable
3. Current Medications List
Write down everything you take, including:
- Prescription medications (with dosage and frequency)
- Over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Vitamins and supplements
- Herbal remedies
- Birth control
Pro tip: Take a photo of all your medication bottles and bring your phone. Even easier? Put all your medications in a bag and bring them to show your doctor.
Why we need it: To check for drug interactions, duplicate therapies, and ensure you’re taking medications safely
4. Allergy Information
List any allergies to:
- Medications (including what reaction you had)
- Foods
- Environmental allergies (pollen, pet dander, mold)
- Latex or adhesives
Example: “Penicillin – causes rash and hives”
Why we need it: To keep you safe when prescribing medications or administering treatments
5. Previous Medical Records (If Available)
Helpful but not required:
- Records from the previous doctor
- Recent test results (blood work, x-rays, MRIs)
- Surgical reports
- Immunization records
- Hospital discharge summaries
Don’t have these? Don’t worry. If you give us permission, we can request them from your previous doctor.
6. Pharmacy Information
Know where you fill your prescriptions:
- Pharmacy name
- Location/address
- Phone number
Why we need it: So we can send prescriptions electronically to your preferred pharmacy
7. Questions for Your Doctor
Write them down! Studies show that patients who bring written questions:
- Get more of their concerns addressed
- Feel more satisfied with their visit
- Remember more information afterward
Examples:
- “I’ve been having headaches every afternoon—what could cause that?”
- “Do I need any health screenings at my age?”
- “Can you check my cholesterol?”
- “I’m worried about my blood pressure.”
Nice-to-Have (But Not Required):
- Contact information for family members (for emergency contact)
- List of medical problems that run in your family
- Notebook and pen for taking notes
- A support person if you’re nervous
Pro Tip: Complete Your Forms at Home
Save 15-20 minutes by downloading and completing your new patient forms before your appointment.
Forms available on our website:
- New patient registration
- Medical history questionnaire
- Consent for treatment
- HIPAA privacy notice acknowledgment
- Sliding fee scale application (if needed)
Available in English and Spanish.
Can’t access forms online? No problem—just arrive 15 minutes early to fill them out at the clinic.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Let’s walk through your appointment step by step so you know exactly what’s coming.
Step 1: Check-In (10-15 Minutes Before Appointment)
Arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit. Here’s what happens:
- Approach the reception desk
- Give your name and mention it’s your first visit
- Hand over your forms (if you completed them) and documents
- Verify your insurance or payment method
- Staff will photocopy your insurance card
- Or discuss a sliding fee scale if you’re uninsured
- No surprise bills—we’ll explain costs upfront
- Update any information
- Confirm your contact information
- Provide emergency contact
- Sign consent forms
- Take a seat
- You’ll be called back shortly
- Use waiting time to review your questions
What the waiting room looks like:
- Comfortable seating
- Clean, welcoming environment
- Magazines and health education materials
- Water available
- Restrooms nearby
Step 2: Vital Signs (5-10 Minutes)
A medical assistant will call your name and bring you to an exam room. They’ll take your vital signs:
What They’ll Measure:
Blood Pressure:
- A cuff goes around your upper arm
- Inflates (feels like a tight squeeze), then releases
- Takes about 1 minute
- Doesn’t hurt
Weight and Height:
- You’ll stand on a scale
- Height measured with a sliding bar
- You can keep your clothes on
- Used to calculate BMI (body mass index)
Temperature:
- Usually taken with a forehead or ear thermometer
- Takes 5 seconds
- Completely painless
Pulse:
- May check your heart rate
- Either with a finger sensor or by feeling your wrist
- Takes 30 seconds
Oxygen Level (If Needed):
- A small clip goes on your finger
- Measures oxygen in your blood
- Painless, takes 10 seconds
The medical assistant will also ask:
- What brings you in today?
- Any current symptoms or concerns?
- When was your last physical exam?
This is your chance to mention your main concerns so the provider knows what to focus on.
Step 3: Medical History Review (10-15 Minutes with Provider)
Your doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant will enter the room and introduce themselves.
They’ll review your medical history by asking about:
Current Symptoms:
- What’s bothering you right now?
- When did it start?
- How severe is it (1-10 scale)?
- What makes it better or worse?
Past Medical History:
- Previous illnesses or diagnoses
- Surgeries you’ve had
- Hospitalizations
- Childhood illnesses
Medications & Allergies:
- Confirming your medication list
- Reviewing allergies
- Discussing any side effects you’re experiencing
Family Medical History:
- Do your parents, siblings, or grandparents have:
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer (what type?)
- Stroke
- Mental health conditions
Social History:
- Occupation (some jobs affect health)
- Living situation
- Do you smoke? Drink alcohol? Use drugs?
- Diet and exercise habits
- Stress levels
- Sleep quality
Don’t worry—these questions aren’t judgmental. Doctors need honest answers to provide the best care. Everything you share is confidential.
Pro tip: Be honest about:
- How much you actually exercise (not how much you wish you did)
- What you really eat (fast food counts)
- Smoking, drinking, or drug use (we’re here to help, not judge)
- Mental health struggles
- Sexual health concerns
Your provider has heard it all. Nothing will shock them. The more honest you are, the better care they can provide.
Step 4: Physical Exam (10-20 Minutes)
The physical exam varies based on:
- Your age
- Your gender
- Your symptoms
- How long it’s been since your last physical
Common components of a physical exam:
General Appearance:
- Your provider observes your overall health
- Notes your comfort level, alertness, and appearance
Head, Eyes, Ears, Nose, Throat (HEENT) Exam:
- Look in your ears with an otoscope
- Shines light in your eyes to check pupils
- Look in your throat and nose
- Feel lymph nodes in your neck
Cardiovascular Exam:
- Listens to your heart with a stethoscope
- Checks several spots on your chest
- Listens for irregular rhythms or murmurs
- May check pulses in your wrists, feet, or neck
Lung Exam:
- Listens to your breathing from the front and back
- Asks you to take deep breaths
- Checks for wheezing, crackles, or abnormal sounds
Abdominal Exam:
- You’ll lie down on the exam table
- The provider gently presses on your abdomen in all four quadrants
- Checks for tenderness, masses, or organ enlargement
- Listens with a stethoscope for bowel sounds
Neurological Exam (Basic):
- Test your reflexes with a small hammer (knee, ankle, elbow)
- Checks your balance and coordination
- Assesses strength in arms and legs
- May test sensation
Skin Check:
- Quick visual exam for unusual moles, rashes, lesions
- More thorough if you have concerns
Extremities:
- Checks for swelling in the feet and ankles
- Look at joints for arthritis signs
Additional Exams (Based on Age/Gender):
For Women:
- Breast exam (if due for one or if you have concerns)
- Pelvic exam (annual or as needed—can be scheduled separately if you prefer)
For Men:
- Testicular exam (if indicated)
- Prostate exam (for men over 50 or with symptoms)
For Everyone Over 50:
- Rectal exam (to check for colon issues)
- Can be skipped if you’ve had a recent colonoscopy
Important: You Can Decline Any Part of the Exam
This is YOUR body and YOUR healthcare.
If you’re uncomfortable with any part of the physical exam:
- You can say no
- You can ask questions first
- You can request a chaperone (another staff member in the room)
- You can request a provider of a specific gender for sensitive exams
- You can schedule sensitive exams for a different day
No judgment. Your comfort and consent matter.
Step 5: Discussion & Care Plan (10-15 Minutes)
After the exam, your provider will:
Explain Their Findings:
- What they observed during the exam
- Whether they found anything concerning
- What looks normal and healthy
Address Your Concerns:
- Go through the questions you brought
- Provide education about your symptoms
- Explain possible diagnoses
Order Tests If Needed:
- Blood work (cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid, etc.)
- Urinalysis
- X-rays
- EKG (heart test)
- Other diagnostic tests
Prescribe Medications If Appropriate:
- New prescriptions for diagnosed conditions
- Refills if you’re out of medications
- Over-the-counter recommendations
Provide Recommendations:
- Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep)
- Preventive care (vaccinations, screenings)
- Follow-up appointments if needed
- Referrals to specialists if necessary
Answer Your Questions:
- This is the time to ask anything you didn’t understand
- Request clarification on instructions
- Discuss concerns about costs or treatment options
Don’t leave confused. If you don’t understand something, say so. Ask your provider to:
- Explain in simpler terms
- Draw a picture or diagram
- Write it down for you
- Repeat important information
Step 6: Check-Out (5-10 Minutes)
At the checkout desk:
- Schedule Follow-Up Appointments
- If you need to come back, schedule before you leave
- Easier than calling later
- Ensures you get a convenient time
- Pick Up Lab Orders or Prescriptions
- Lab orders for bloodwork
- Prescription sent electronically to your pharmacy
- Paper prescription if needed
- Make Payment Arrangements
- Pay any copay or visit fee
- Set up a payment plan if needed
- Apply for the sliding fee scale if you haven’t already
- Get Contact Information
- Know who to call with questions
- Get the direct number for your provider’s office
- Understand how to get test results
Before you leave, make sure you know:
- What medications to take (and how to take them)
- What to do if symptoms get worse
- When to come back
- How you’ll get test results
- Who to call if you have questions
Questions Your Doctor Will Ask You
Being prepared for common questions makes your appointment go smoother. Here’s what to expect:
About Your Current Concern:
- “What brings you in today?”
- “When did this start?”
- “On a scale of 1-10, how bad is [the symptom]?”
- “Does anything make it better or worse?”
- “Have you tried anything for this already?”
About Your Health History:
- “Do you have any chronic health conditions?”
- “Have you had any surgeries?”
- “Have you ever been hospitalized?”
- “Are you allergic to any medications?”
- “What medications are you currently taking?”
About Your Family:
- “Does anyone in your family have diabetes, heart disease, or cancer?”
- “At what age did they develop these conditions?”
- “Are your parents still living? If not, what did they pass away from?”
About Your Lifestyle:
- “Do you smoke or vape?” (Be honest—no judgment)
- “How much alcohol do you drink per week?”
- “Do you exercise? What type and how often?”
- “What does a typical day of eating look like for you?”
- “How many hours of sleep do you get per night?”
- “What’s your stress level like?”
About Sensitive Topics:
- “Are you sexually active?”
- “How many sexual partners do you have?”
- “Do you use protection?”
- “Do you feel safe at home?”
- “Have you ever been a victim of abuse?”
- “Do you ever have thoughts of hurting yourself?”
Remember: These questions help your provider give you the best care. Everything is confidential. Answer honestly.
Questions YOU Should Ask Your Doctor
Don’t leave without asking your own questions! Here are important ones:
About Preventive Care:
- “What health screenings do I need at my age?”
- “Are my immunizations up to date?”
- “Should I be getting a flu shot? COVID vaccine?”
- “Do I need a mammogram? Colonoscopy? Prostate check?”
About Tests or Procedures:
- “Why do I need this test?”
- “What is it checking for?”
- “How do I prepare for it?”
- “When will I get the results?”
- “What happens if the results are abnormal?”
About Medications:
- “What is this medication for?”
- “How and when should I take it?”
- “What are the side effects?”
- “Will this interact with my other medications?”
- “How long will I need to take this?”
- “Is there a generic version? How much will it cost?”
About Your Diagnosis or Symptoms:
- “What do you think is causing my symptoms?”
- “Are there other possible explanations?”
- “What can I do at home to feel better?”
- “What symptoms mean I should call you or go to the ER?”
About Follow-Up Care:
- “When should I come back?”
- “What should I watch for?”
- “Can I call if I have questions?”
- “What number do I call?”
- “When should I expect to hear about my test results?”
Write down the answers or ask your provider to write important information down for you.
Special Circumstances: What If…
“I Don’t Have Insurance”
No problem. Syracuse Community Health offers a sliding fee scale based on your income. Bring:
- Pay stubs or tax returns
- Proof of household size
- Any income documentation
You’ll pay based on what you can afford. No one is turned away.
“I Don’t Speak English Well”
We provide interpreters at no cost to you. When scheduling, say:
- “I need a Spanish interpreter” (or other language)
- We also have Spanish-speaking providers
Your right to understand your healthcare is protected by law.
“I Have a Disability”
We provide accommodations:
- Wheelchair accessible facilities
- Sign language interpreters (request in advance)
- Assistance from staff
- Extra time if needed
- Accessible exam tables
Let us know your needs when scheduling.
“I’m Nervous or Anxious”
You can:
- Bring a friend or family member
- Ask for extra time
- Take breaks during your appointment
- Communicate your anxiety to your provider
- Request a same-gender provider if that helps
Your comfort matters. Tell us what would help.
“I Need Urgent Care, Not Just a Regular Appointment”
Visit our Quick Care at 819 S. Salina Street:
- No appointment necessary
- Extended hours (evenings and weekends)
- Treats urgent issues the same day
Or call us—we have same-day appointments for urgent concerns.
Tips for Getting the Most from Your Appointment
1. Write Things Down
- Bring a notebook
- Use your phone to take notes
- Ask your provider to write key information
2. Prioritize Your Concerns
- List your top 3 concerns
- Mention the most important one first
- Be specific about symptoms
3. Be Honest
- About lifestyle (smoking, drinking, exercise)
- About medications (including skipped doses)
- About symptoms (even embarrassing ones)
- About financial concerns
4. Ask Questions
- No question is stupid
- If you don’t understand, say so
- Ask “what else could this be?”
- Clarify instructions before leaving
5. Speak Up About Costs
- Ask about medication costs
- Inquire about generic alternatives
- Discuss payment concerns upfront
- Ask about assistance programs
6. Bring Support if Needed
- A friend can help you remember information
- Family members can advocate for you
- Support people are welcome
7. Follow Up
- Actually, pick up your prescriptions
- Schedule recommended tests
- Call if symptoms worsen
- Keep your follow-up appointments
Your Rights as a Patient
You have the right to:
✓ Understand your care – Ask for explanations in plain language
✓ Ask questions – No question is too small or silly
✓ Refuse treatment – You control what happens to your body
✓ Privacy – Your health information is confidential (HIPAA protected)
✓ Request a different provider – If it’s not a good fit
✓ Get a second opinion – Always okay to do
✓ Language assistance – Interpreters provided free
✓ Be treated with respect – Regardless of race, religion, gender, orientation, or ability to pay
✓ Access your medical records – They belong to you
Your provider should:
- Listen without interrupting
- Take your concerns seriously
- Explain things clearly
- Involve you in decisions
- Respect your choices
- Treat you with dignity
If you feel your provider isn’t doing these things, you can:
- Request a different provider
- Speak with a patient advocate
- Provide feedback to clinic management
After Your Appointment: Next Steps
Your appointment doesn’t end when you leave. Here’s what to do next:
1. Fill Your Prescriptions Promptly
- Go to your pharmacy the same day if possible
- Don’t wait until you’re in pain or very sick
- Call your provider if medications are too expensive
2. Complete Recommended Tests
- Schedule any ordered labs, x-rays, or other tests
- Don’t put them off
- Most can be done same-day or next-day at our locations
3. Follow Instructions
- Take medications as prescribed (set phone reminders)
- Do recommended lifestyle changes
- Follow up as advised
4. Watch for Warning Signs
- Know what symptoms mean you should call or go to ER
- Don’t ignore concerning changes
- It’s okay to call with questions
5. Keep Follow-Up Appointments
- Mark them on your calendar
- Set reminders
- Call if you need to reschedule (don’t just skip)
6. Get Your Test Results
- Ask how you’ll receive results (phone call, patient portal, mail)
- Call if you haven’t heard back in the expected timeframe
- Understand what results mean for your health
You’ve Got This
Taking the step to see a doctor is huge. You’re taking control of your health, and that takes courage.
Your first appointment might feel a little awkward or overwhelming, but that’s normal. It gets easier. After one or two visits, you’ll feel much more comfortable.
Remember:
- Your provider wants to help you
- There’s no judgment here
- Questions are encouraged
- Your concerns matter
- You’re not alone
Syracuse Community Health is here to support you on your health journey. We’ve been serving Syracuse since 1978, and we’re honored you’re trusting us with your care.
Ready to Schedule Your First Appointment?
📞 Call: 315-476-7921
🏥 Choose Your Location:
- 930 S. Salina Street (Comprehensive Care Center)
- 819 S. Salina Street (Quick Care – Walk-Ins Welcome)
- 1120 E. Fayette Street (East Side)
- 2020 Oswego Street (North Side)
- Onondaga Community College (Student & Community)
💚 New Patients Welcome
⏰ Same-Week Appointments Available
💰 All Insurance Accepted – Sliding Fee Scale for Uninsured
Download your new patient forms before your appointment to save time.
Have questions before scheduling? Call us—our friendly staff will answer them.
Need a Spanish-speaking provider or interpreter? Just let us know when scheduling.
Don’t Wait—Your Health Matters
The hardest part is making the call. After that, we’ll take care of you.
Call today: 315-476-7921
Syracuse Community Health: Your partner in health for over 40 years.
