Preparing for a Health Center Appointment

By: Michael Cronyn, MPAS, PA-C - UCF Health Center Provider

Medicine is involved in the diagnosis and treatment of health related problems. Sometimes our investigation involves screening for potential problems, looking at acute or chronic illness and the management of any of these concerns. Our interest in you, the patient, our communication about these health concerns, and formulating an assessment and treatment plan are centered on providing you the appropriate care that you deserve.

It is commonplace for those seeking medical care to research their health concerns through online “Med” sites before seeking actual medical care. As an informed consumer these

pre-assessments can reveal a myriad of potential problems that can range from mild to severe. This may hasten your request for evaluation or make you feel that no screening is warranted.

At the UCF Heath Center we have clinical staff to assist in evaluating your medical and psychological needs. Calling for an appointment to see one of our medical staff will get you in our front door. When we see you it is helpful to schedule for one problem so we can spend adequate time to concentrate on that issue. If additional problems need to be addressed make sure to tell the receptionist so appropriate time may be scheduled.

Bring in pertinent data; write down your concerns and related information as this will help us when we see you. During a first time evaluation for a chronic health problem please bring in your old medical records, any recent laboratory work, along with any prescribed medications. This will help us in our assessment process. Similarly for acute health problems please think over the time line related to your symptoms and any home treatment(s) to date. Appropriate questions and a physical examination should reveal pertinent clues to your health concerns. Having you prepared for evaluation and collecting health data will assist us in serving you better, providing you with a more timely diagnosis and formulating an appropriate treatment plan.