What to expect at my doctor’s visit?

There are some things that you can expect to happen at your doctor’s visit.

You will check in or register. If you have insurance, you will have to show your insurance card. You will then complete some paperwork.
A nurse or medical assistant will take you back to a private area. He or she will take your blood pressure, heart rate and sometimes your temperature.
The doctor will see you and ask you questions about why you came and your health. The doctor will examine you and discuss with you what will happen during the visit. For more information, see “What happens when the doctor sees you” below.

You have the right to ask for the type of doctor you see (for example, a male or female doctor).

But, if this matters to you, you should ask for this when you make your appointment.
A clinic may not be able to meet this need if you tell them the same day.

What happens when the doctor sees you.

Below are things the doctor will do when he or she sees you. What happens during this part of the visit depends on why you are at the doctor’s office.

Your doctor will ask you questions.

These questions will help your doctor understand why you came and your health needs. Answer truthfully so the doctor can help you (see Confidential services). Questions will include:

Why you came?
What are your health concerns, if you have any?
What is your medical history? This includes medications you take, allergies and the health of your family.
How is your sexual health? This includes questions about sex, your plans on preventing or planning a pregnancy, and your risks for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
It is almost always okay to bring someone with you, like a family member or friend, into the exam room with you. But, your doctor should have private time with you – especially when they are asking you more personal questions so that you can answer without pressure and honestly and they can get all the information they need to help you and your health.

The doctor should do this part of the visit with your clothes on.

Your doctor will examine you.

You will be asked to remove your clothes and put on a gown. This helps your doctor do a complete exam.

You have the right to ask your doctor to tell you what he or she is going to do for the exam.

Your doctor will check your heart, lungs, and stomach area.
If your doctor needs to examine your private parts (genital area), this is typically done last. Your doctor checks your private parts to make sure there is nothing of concern, especially if you are having sex. For teens, this exam can also help your doctor know you are growing normally (going through puberty).
- If you are male, your doctor will ask you to stand, remove your underwear and lift your gown.
- Your doctor will look at your hair area and then glands in your groin (also called lymph nodes).
- Your doctor will gently touch each testicle to check for any lumps or bumps. The doctor will also check your penis and the surrounding area looking for any cuts or bumps.
- Your doctor may ask you to “turn your head and cough” to make sure your intestines are not pushing through.
- Your doctor may also look at your bottom. To do this, your doctor typically will ask you to lie down on the table on your side.
- Male teens and young adults should not expect the doctor to put a finger into your bottom to do a prostate or colon cancer check. These problems occur only in older people (older than 40 or 50) so should not be done in a male teen or young adult. If a doctor plans to do this, you can ask them why.

Chaperone : It is your right to ask your doctor to have another person (clinic staff) in the room with you during your exam. This is recommended to protect you and your doctor.

Your doctor may recommend you get tested for STDs including HIV.

You should get tested if you are having sex or have STD symptoms.
- You have the right to ask your doctor to test you for STDs and/or HIV.
Common STD tests include:
- Pee in a cup to test for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. The results will be ready in 1 week.
  - Peeing in a cup is a new way to test for Gonorrhea and Chlamydia. This test used to hurt. Now peeing in a cup is painless. The doctor will not put anything into your penis during your exam.
  - If you are having oral sex, your doctor may take a sample from your throat. This does not hurt.
  - If you are having anal sex, your doctor may take a sample from your bottom. This does not hurt.
- Blood test to test for Syphilis and HIV. The results will be ready in 1 week.
- Quick test for HIV that can be done by a swab in the mouth or a finger prick. The results are ready in 20 minutes.

An exam of your private parts also helps your doctor look for any other signs or symptoms common with other STDs.

Your doctor will talk to you about your health.

When the exam is complete, you will get dressed in private.
Your doctor will share information about your health.
The doctor will explain your test results or tell you how/when you can get the results if they are not ready yet.
Together you will make a plan to fix any health problems.
Be sure to repeat the plan to your doctor to make sure you both agree.
The doctor will tell you when to come back for another visit.
Don’t forget to ask your doctor any questions you have about your exam and health.

Helpful tips for visiting the doctor.

If you did not like the doctor you saw, it is your right to ask to see a different doctor the next time.
The exam may not be comfortable, but it should not hurt. If you feel any pain during your exam, be sure to tell your doctor.
Ask questions! This is a great time to ask about your health, body, sex, STDs/HIV and birth control for you and your partner.
If you do not want the clinic to call you at home with your test results, make sure you speak up about this. Give them a private way to contact you.
You can call your doctor to get your test results. Be sure you know what number to use.
Be familiar with your body. If anything changes and you are concerned, call your doctor.