A first appointment with a new primary care physician is different from a follow-up or urgent care visit. It is an investment — a foundation-setting encounter where your physician learns about your health history, identifies potential risks, establishes baseline measurements, and begins building the kind of long-term relationship that makes ongoing care more effective. Being prepared for your first visit makes it significantly more productive.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
Preparation makes a significant difference. Come to your first primary care visit with: a complete medication list including dosages and frequencies, a list of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental), your vaccination records if available, copies of recent lab work or specialist records, your health insurance card and photo ID, any paperwork the practice sent in advance (completed if possible), and a list of current health concerns or symptoms you want to discuss.
If you have a family history of significant conditions — heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke — note which relatives were affected and at what age. This information directly influences your personalized screening schedule.
What Will Happen During Your Visit
- Medical and family history review — this is the foundation of your record
- Physical examination: blood pressure, heart and lung exam, abdominal exam, reflex check
- Review of current medications for interactions, duplications, or optimizations
- Discussion of any immediate health concerns you brought
- Determination of which preventive screenings are due or overdue
- Lab orders for baseline blood work (metabolic panel, lipids, blood count, thyroid)
- Development of a personalized health plan and follow-up schedule
Starting Your Care at Vish Medical
Dr. Arpana Pillay at Vish Medical takes time with new patients to build a thorough understanding of your health history and goals. We are currently accepting new patients at 9486 Narcoossee Rd in Lake Nona, Orlando, with evening and Saturday hours. Telehealth first visits are also available. Book your first appointment today.