Clinic locations/hours
How to get the most from a doctor's visit
These five tips can help ensure a more productive appointment.
Seeing your primary care provider regularly is one of the best things you can do to maintain good health. These visits are important, and time with your provider is often limited. So it's worth it to take a few steps to maximize your time together.
Scroll on to learn about some of the ways you can do that.
Be prepared
Don't just wing it. Make every minute with your doctor count by thinking about what you want to discuss. Write down your questions and concerns in order of importance.
Also, bring information with you that your doctor might not already have, such as a list of all the medicines you take, including vitamins and supplements.
Take notes
It's easy to forget things your doctor tells you. To help you remember, make notes during or right after the visit, when your memory is fresh. Or consider bringing a family member or friend to take notes for you. You could also ask your doctor's permission to record the visit.
Be open and honest
Talk openly with your doctor, even about sensitive topics, like sexuality, or symptoms that embarrass you. Be honest about your lifestyle habits too—even the unhealthy ones.
Your doctor is there to help, not judge you. The more they know, the better they can care for you.
Confirm what you've heard
Do your doctor's instructions seem even just a little unclear? Ask them to explain again. It's vital that you understand. Here's a good way to make sure you understand the information your doctor gives you: Try repeating it back to your doctor, and ask if you got it right.
Make a follow-up plan, if needed
Let your doctor know if you need more time to talk about something. They may have another patient to see, but you might be able to talk with a nurse or another staff member. Or you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment.
Likewise, don't hesitate to reach out if you have a follow-up question after your visit.
Seeing your doctor virtually?
Get tips for a great video visit.
Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health
Reviewed 11/10/2022
Sources
- American Academy of Family Physicians. "Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor Appointment." https://familydoctor.org/tips-for-talking-to-your-doctor/.
- National Institutes of Health. "Five Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Doctor's Visit." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/five-ways-get-most-out-your-doctors-visit.
- National Institutes of Health. "Talking With Your Doctor or Health Care Provider." https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication/talking-your-doctor.
Whitman Medical Clinic - Colfax
1200 W. Fairview St.
Colfax, WA 99111
Monday - Friday 8am - 5:30pm
Saturdays - 10am - 2pm for Urgent Care
Map and driving directions
509.397.4717
509.397.3501 (fax)
Whitman Medical Clinic - Garfield
207 N 3rd St.
Garfield, WA 99130
Mon-Tue-Wed 8:30am - 5pm
Map and driving directions
509.635.4550
509.635.4551 (fax)
Whitman Medical Clinic - St. John
8 W. Front St.
St. John, WA 99171
Mon-Tue-Thur-Fri 8am - 5pm
Map and driving directions
509.648.3331
509.648.3435 (fax)
Whitman Medical Clinic - Tekoa
115 N. Crosby St.
Tekoa, WA 99033
Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri 8am - 5pm
Map and driving directions
509.284.2423
509.284.3434 (fax)
Click here to access the patient portal: My Doctor (myezyaccess.com)
Services
We are proud to offer the following services:
- Preventative medicine.
- Internal medicine.
- Obstetrics.
- Pediatrics.
- Allergy injections.
- Vaccinations.
- In-house lab testing.
- In-home sleep studies.
- In-house radiology services.
Click here for billing information and FAQs regarding Provider or Hospital Based Outpatient Clinics
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for you as a patient, we have provided important information about our practice procedures.
New Patients
Patients who are new to our clinic will need to provide past medical records. We will do our best to match you with a provider that can best serve your specific medical needs. Once accepted as a patient you will be asked to provide standard personal information and insurance/payment information before scheduling an appointment.
We request that our patients bring their current insurance information with them for each visit.
Payment Information
We accept most types of health insurance. We will bill your visit directly to your insurance provider if you supply an updated proof of insurance at each visit. Co-pays are due at the time of service. Please note that the insurance policy is between you and your insurance provider; we are happy to file the claim for you, but the balance is your responsibility if your plan does not pay after 30 days. Any amount not covered by your insurance policy is due immediately after you receive your first invoice from us.
Please contact our Billing Department at 509.397.3428 for more information.
DOT and Medicare Physicals
Please be aware that when you are seen for a DOT or Medicare Physical, the scope of that visit is for the wellness exam only. If additional issues are addressed during your physical, you will be billed separately for the scope of those issues. If you have questions about this, please contact our Administrator at 509.397.4717.