How should you prepare for a well-woman visit? Don’t let the anxiety of the unknown stop you from making that appointment.
Stacie Moritz, a physician assistant at Bradley Gynecology, shares five tips when preparing for your visit.
1. It’s all about preventive health.
Your insurance provides a well-woman visit for you to understand your health risks and how to avoid them readily. This is done through screenings and education. It is usually best to schedule a separate appointment to address those issues.
2. A healthy relationship with your provider is vital.
Pick a provider who you can talk to easily. Your provider should
show a genuine interest in your health—no judgments. Building trust into that relationship will increase the likelihood of a satisfactory visit (and be less awkward when you need a pelvic exam).
3. The contents of your well-woman visit are up to you and your provider.
As far as services go, your visit could include any of the following depending on your current health status:
- Contraceptive counseling
- Alcohol misuse screening
- Blood pressure screening
- Cholesterol screening
- Depression screening
- Nutrition and diet counseling
- HIV screening
- Vaccines and immunizations
- Having safe sex
- Period discussion (last menses, how long do they last, spotting in between menses and/or skipping menses)
- Pelvic exam
- Pap smear if needed (not every year)
- Breast exams
- Mammograms (age/risk appropriate)
4. Don’t just get tests – ask questions.
What’s on your mind? Talk about your stress levels, your nutrition, your mood, your medications, your sex life, your family’s health history—next to nothing is off the table. Asking questions and raising concerns helps your health care provider know what’s important to you and what she should screen you for. Be honest—it is the best way to get the services you need.
5. Be prepared to answer some questions.
During your visit, you will likely be asked to provide immunization records such as HPV shots, flu shots and boosters, and your past medical/surgical/family history.
Now that you’re all prepared for your visit, make sure that you schedule regular appointments for yourself. For more information, visit www.BradleyGynecology.com or call 701-877-2020 to schedule an appointment.
