What Can You Do to Prep for Your New Patient Visit?
Obtain all records pertaining to your fertility journey including any tests or treatments you have completed prior to your visit.
Ideally give those to your clinic at least one day before your appointment
Make sure your annual testing is up to date (PAP smear, STD testing, vaccinations, etc)
Complete all new patient paperwork before your visit - this will streamline your appointment -
Write down all your questions before hand and make sure to take notes during - We cover a lot of ground in the first visit and the amount of information can be overwhelming -
Ask if a support person can be present with you (live or on speaker phone)
Begin taking prenatal vitamins once a day
Track your cycles if they are regular
Optimize lifestyle factors (Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, nutrition and weight)
My recommendations on how to get the most out of your consultation
Make sure all your paperwork is complete ahead of time. If you have done treatment elsewhere, call ahead and make sure they have those records.
Write down your questions before the appointment. In the moment, it's hard to remember everything you wanted to ask because we are covering so much!
Take notes. Even though you will be sent instructions afterwards, or have access to the Doctor's notes, it's still helpful to take your own notes during the appt to look back at down the road.
Ideally, have someone with you during the appt. With Covid, most visits have converted to Telehealth. Two sets of ears hear more than one and this can be really helpful particularly during the new patient consult when so much information is covered.
Don't be afraid to ask! Be your own advocate, talk to your Doctor and make sure you are feeling comfortable with how the journey is going.
