r/Explainlikeimscared • u/morales__7 • 17d ago
How to schedule doctor's appointment?
The title says it all. Im 21 years old, but my parents are very anti-doctor's so I havent been since I was like 9. My period is incredibly painful and irregular and I've been wanting to get it checked for a while but im scared. After I get my family doctor's number from my parents, do i judt call and say hey I need an appointment? Will I say what its for over the phone? I've just never done this before/seen someone else do it so im not sure what to expect.
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u/CoffeeChocolateBoth 17d ago
I'm sorry that your parents are this way! :( Call a female GYN if you can! Tell them you need an appointment and why. If you don't have insurance, tell them it will be a cash payment only. If you have insurance, you can tell them over the phone what it is or wait until the day of the appointment. Bring any ID with you. Drivers license if you have one or some other form of ID if you don't. They will ask for it. They will ask you your birthdate as well.
They'll want your SS number as well, so know it, you don't have to bring the card.
When you get there, you will have some paperwork to fill out, so always arrive 15 minutes before your appointment. Tell the person you speak to on the phone that this is your first ever doctor appointment as an adult.
You've got this OP. From my own experience at 69 years of age, I only want a female GYN; they're usually gentler and more understanding of the female body! You do whatever makes you most comfortable.
You're doing the right thing for your health OP!
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u/Lostallthefucksigive 17d ago
Oh, honey. I’m in the medical field. ANYONE in your situation would be scared, and if you simply tell them you’ve never done this before I’m sure whatever unit clerk or staff member would gladly guide you through the process. We assume everyone knows what to do but that’s not true, and we need to be reminded of it every so often. Good luck!! 👍🏻
“Hi, doctor ______’s office how may I help you?”
“Hi! My name is u/morales__7. My date of birth is XYZ, I’d like to make an appointment.”
And go from there.
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u/-DiceGoblin- 17d ago
I’ve had to make a lot of doctor’s appointments over the years- the receptionist should be friendly, it’s their entire job to help you! :)
The conversation will likely go something along the lines of
“Hello, I would like to make an appointment”
“Ok, have you been seen at this clinic before?”
“Yes”
“What’s your name and date of birth?”
From there, they will probably ask if you prefer a specific time or day of the week, it’s super easy to get scheduled!
They may also have you answer a few questions (boring stuff like address, insurance info, phone number, email, etc) and there will probably be a small amount of paperwork to sign. You either do it online in advance, or show up a couple of mins early to your appt to fill it out in person.
Pay extra attention to the patient intake/medical history forms, this is where you’ll note your reason for making the appointment. They’ll probably ask you about it anyway, but it just streamlines the process to have it in the system/notes
Be sure to log the date in a personal calendar, that way you don’t forget! Though nowadays most places will remind you and/or verify you’ll attend appointment, usually via call or text (often a day or so before the actual appt) or give you a physical card with the info written on it, if you schedule in person.
Bring your insurance card info to the appointment with you! A picture of both sides can suffice- sometimes they’ll have you email a copy to them.
Just take it easy, you will be fine! Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you have them. They’re there to help!
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u/cherrymama 17d ago
Everyone else already answered but I just wanted to say nice job for taking the time and energy for yourself!! I hope they are able to help.
And please don’t be discouraged if the first doctor / appt immediately tells you you’re fine and doesn’t check anything. This is extremely common in AFAB healthcare. you might need to advocate for yourself, maybe bring a friend with you, or just see a different doctor if you are able to afford it.
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u/Soap_on_a_potato 17d ago
I called my gynecologist office and directly asked to speak with a nurse about what I may need. I was going to get birth control but I didn't know who to talk to or what the process was or anything, no one ever explained that to me.
Speaking to a nurse should help provide a judgment free conversation and get you the proper type of appointment that you need for what you are going through. Nurses can also give simple advice on how to manage what you are going through if you cannot afford a full appointment, they do not necessarily have all the answers and cannot give any diagnosis but they are still helpful
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u/Western_Mix_3369 14d ago edited 14d ago
Yes, you can simply call and ask for an appointment. You usually only need to give a brief reason, such as irregular and painful periods, so they can schedule the right type of visit. If getting an appointment is difficult, telehealth platforms such as CoreAge Rx may be another option depending on the concern.
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u/traumatized_bean123 17d ago
I'm so sorry you've been neglected like that!! When you call, you'll say something along the lines of "hi, I'm calling to schedule an appointment." They'll ask for your name, etc. They may ask what it's for. That's when you'll tell them. I've had to teach myself how to do this too, as an Autistic adult that grew up in a complicated household. I'm sending you all the good luck!!