Your First Visit with SMA
What To Expect On Your First House Call Visit With SMA
We are so excited that you are ready to schedule your first house call visit!
The initial visit is a comprehensive history and physical exam that can take up to 2 hours. Dr. Pluta will learn about your medical history and listen to all of your current medical needs and concerns. It is also important that she learns about your support system and meets other household members who help with your care.
The Best Part About House Calls
Remember, Dr. Pluta does not have a waiting room full of patients – you will not be rushed through a visit! She wants to be sure that she understands all of your medical needs and can coordinate your care effectively. Don’t hesitate to share all of your questions and concerns with her.
Here are some things that will help the first visit go smoothly...
- Try to have a family member or caregiver present to help provide a thorough medical history.
- Have any hospital discharge papers available.
- Have all medication bottles and any over the counter medications/vitamins available.
- If you are seeing any specialists (such as a cardiologist, neurologist), please have those phone numbers available.
- Have the name and phone number of your previous family doctor available.
- If you have a living will or advanced directive, please make a copy.
- Wear comfortable loose clothing and be prepared for a comprehensive exam.
- Have any questions or concerns ready to discuss.
- Relax!
- Download this printable checklist to ensure you or your loved one has all of their medical information readily available for the first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concierge Care is a personalized healthcare service model where patients receive enhanced medical attention and convenience.
Concierge physicians see less patients per day and have more time to spend with each individual. They also typically provide easy forms of communication such as their personal emails and cell phones. A primary care concierge physician provides full-scope primary care to the patient and is more directly involved in his/her care compared to an insurance-based office physician.
Concierge practices vary widely in structure, services and payment requirements. The majority of concierge fees are not covered by insurance.
Patients who need more time with their physician and who prefer more customized medical care would benefit greatly from a concierge physician. Also, patients with complex medical issues who need help navigating the health care system would benefit from a concierge physician who takes the time to be their health care advocate.