The scariest part of becoming an adult isn’t taxes, rent or work meetings that could have been emails — it’s going to the doctor’s office by yourself.  

Whether heading in for a yearly checkup, seeing a specialist, taking a trip to urgent care or going to the emergency room, sometimes it’s intimidating to go in alone. It can feel very overwhelming to try to remember every piece of paperwork and document you need, so here is an official college student guide to doctor’s appointments.   

1. What you need to bring to the appointment 

Before your appointment, you may be able to complete part of your check-in process through an online portal, which will save you time and stress. If you don’t have this option or don’t know how to access it, don’t worry. Just plan on showing up 10-15 minutes early so you can fill out physical paperwork once you’re there. You’ll want to come prepared with your ID, health insurance card and a form of payment for the appointment’s co-pay. 

2. Checking in for your appointment 

When you get to the doctor’s office, you will check in with a receptionist at the front desk. The receptionist will typically ask for your ID or for your name and birth date to confirm your appointment. They will also ask for your health insurance card or information to put on file. Then, they will ask for a form of payment (although sometimes payment is asked for at the end of the appointment). Finally, they will give you a clipboard and pen or a tablet with a health questionnaire.  

Typically, this questionnaire will start by asking for information on your current symptoms. There will also be questions focused on existing medical conditions, prescriptions and family history. Be prepared and write down the dosage (typically in milligrams) of any medications you take and gather family history if possible.  
 
If your parents or grandparents have a heart condition, a form of cancer, chronic illnesses, a psychiatric condition or a history of reproductive health issues, be sure to include those on the form. There will also be questions revolving around participation in sexual activity, smoking, drinking and other drugs. It’s important to be honest so the doctor has the best information possible to aid you — they aren’t there to judge.  

Once you have finished the questionnaire, return it to the front desk and wait for a nurse to come and call your name. 

3. The beginning of your appointment 

Once you are called back, the nurse will take your height, weight and blood pressure. Wear shoes that are easy to take on and off if possible, as you will be expected to remove them for the measurement of your height and weight. It’s also a good idea to wear a short-sleeved shirt so you don’t have to roll up your sleeve for the blood pressure cuff.  

After your measurements are taken, the nurse will take you into a room for evaluation. The nurse will ask you some questions about your symptoms and health history. Prepare yourself to be very annoyed because you will likely have to answer all the same questions from the questionnaire you just filled out. After they get the information necessary, they may administer any appropriate preliminary tests or any vaccines you consent to. 

4. Talking to the doctor 

After the nurse leaves, the doctor will come in (it may take a while, so it’s a great time to play the Wordle) and will likely ask you some of the questions you’ve already answered twice now. The doctor will hopefully be able to find a solution, treatment or identify further testing that can help you find an answer.  
 
Sometimes, especially if you come in for an issue outside of the typical viral illness or broken bone, the doctor will attempt to steamroll you or tell you that it’s caused by anxiety. 

If a doctor is attempting to dismiss or ignore your condition, it is important to stand up for yourself and insist upon further testing, or at the very least, a referral to someone else for a second opinion. Here are some terms you can use to advocate for yourself with your doctor: 

• “These symptoms are impacting my daily life and preventing me from functioning as normal.” 

• “I’ve had to miss school or work due to these symptoms.” 

• “My friends/family have noticed these symptoms impacting me and are concerned.” 

• “I understand you think this is a manifestation of my anxiety, but I have spoken with my psychiatric care team, and they all believe these symptoms are not caused by my anxiety.” 

• “If you believe that testing is not the next appropriate step to addressing my symptoms, then what do you believe the next step is?” 

• “Can you make a note in my records explaining why you are denying further testing or treatment?” 

5. Leaving the appointment 

 
After seeing the doctor, you will likely be given “discharge paperwork,” which is just a summary of the visit and the doctor’s recommendations for the next steps. It will include your height, weight and vitals from the beginning of the appointment as well. If you didn’t pay at the beginning of the visit, you will stop by the checkout desk and pay then. If you need to schedule a follow-up appointment, you will also do so there.  

Congratulations! You just survived the doctor’s office. 

Photo by Abby Anaday on Unsplash.