We know meeting a new doctor can feel stressful — new staff, new setting, unfamiliar routine. Here's a clear walk-through of what your first visit at Northern Nephrology & Hypertension will look like, so you can arrive feeling prepared.
Before You ArriveWhat to bring on your visit day
Completed New Patient Handout — fill this out at home ahead of time (most important)
All other signed intake forms
Insurance card(s) — for photocopying at check-in
Photo ID
Current medication list — or bring the bottles if you're unsure
Allergy list — as accurate as possible
Recent lab or imaging results — if you have copies
Names of your other doctors — primary care and specialists
Step-by-Step
Your Visit in Five Steps
1
Prepare at Home
Complete your new patient handout, gather your meds and allergy list, and bring your insurance card.
2
Welcome & Check-In
Our front desk team will greet you and confirm your insurance information when you arrive.
3
Vitals & Brief History
In the exam room, our staff will record your weight, take a few blood pressure readings, and confirm a brief history.
4
Review & Physical Exam
Your nephrologist will review your history in detail and perform a physical exam. A urine sample may be requested. No blood work is collected at this visit.
5
Your Plan & Next Steps
You'll leave with typed instructions, a clear plan, and any needed testing or follow-up already scheduled. Questions are always welcome.
Have questions before your visit?
We'd rather hear from you ahead of time than have you arrive worried. Call our office or send a message through the patient portal — our team is happy to help.
The first time you see the doctor is often stressful and can be anxiety provoking. Discussing health issues is tough enough but now it's a new doctor, new staff and new setting that is unfamiliar. The most important thing to prepare is the "new patient handout" listed above. Please be sure to fill this out prior to the visit. The other forms should also be signed but are not as critical to your health history. You can take you r time at home going through the handout, which collects lots of health history related to your overall health and imiportantly, conditions that can cause kidney trouble. Be sure the medication list and allergy list are as accurate as possible. If you are confused about any of your meds just bring the bottles with you to the appointment. You will be greeted by Amy - our secretary who will confirm your insurance information. Please be sure to have your insurance cards with you so they can be photocopied. You will then go into an exam room for a weight and a few blood pressure readings. Our staff will confirm a brief history. I will then review your history in detail with you. You will then have a physical exam. No blood work is collected but you may need to give a urine specimen for analysis. After the appointment we will confirm a plan and you will leave with typed out instructions. There is always time for questions. Amy will check you out and arrange for any testing that is ordered. She will also schedule your follow up appointment if one is necessary.
