You may only see your primary care provider (PCP) once a year, so you’ve got to make that time count.
The best way to do this is to show up prepared. Here are important questions you should ask your family medicine or internal medicine provider during your checkup. Bring a notepad and pen or your phone to jot down their responses.
Search providers and schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-533-8762 to schedule an appointment at UPMC.
Questions to Ask Your Provider During Your Checkup
What screenings or tests do I need?
Your PCP may recommend certain tests during an annual exam, such as those used to test your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
“But you may want to ask about the need for other risk-appropriate screenings, including thyroid tests, mammograms for women and men, and prostate exams for men,” says Kristina Azar, DO, a family medicine physician at Franklin Park Family Practice–UPMC in Wexford, Pa.
How’s my weight?
Your PCP can tell you how your specific weight can affect your health and risk of disease. If you need to shed some pounds, they can also suggest healthy ways to do so.
What should — and shouldn’t — I be eating?
Are you concerned about your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, or another challenge that can be partly managed through lifestyle approaches? If so, ask your doctor what you should do. Be honest about your diet so your provider can recommend healthier options.
Lori Bigi, MD, an internal medicine physician at Northern Medical Associates–UPMC in Sewickley, Pa., suggests you should “eat a diet that consists of 80% whole plant foods and limit sodium and alcohol.”
What do I need to know about this treatment?
If your doctor prescribes a medication or another type of treatment, it’s important to know what to expect. Your provider can tell you why they recommend the treatment and inform you about any side effects, risks, and benefits.
If you have questions about medications you’re already taking, make sure to ask about those as well.
How can I sleep better?
We all know the importance of getting enough sleep at night, but sometimes it may feel impossible to accomplish. Ask your doctor about different options to help sleep soundly, whether through medications or other measures.
Dr. Bigi suggests practicing meditation and reading books about insomnia to learn tips for relief.
How can I learn more about my health?
Health information found online can be fraught with inaccuracy. Don’t expect to diagnose or treat yourself based on your findings. Do ask your doctor if they recommend any specific resources.
What should I do before my next visit?
Rather than seeing doctor appointments as isolated moments in time, try to view them as goalposts or milestones. Ask your PCP what you can work on before your next appointment, whether that’s losing weight, lowering your cholesterol, or exercising more. That way, you’ll have the right guidance on what to do between visits.
When do I need to see my doctor again?
Don’t assume you need to wait a year or longer to see your provider again. Ask if they recommend a follow-up visit. Your doctor may even offer virtual visits.
“Video visits are a great way to follow up on issues that don’t require a physical exam,” Dr. Bigi says.
To schedule an appointment at UPMC, you can search for providers and schedule an appointment online or call 1-800-533-8762.
Editor's Note: This article was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .