First trip to the doctor on base (Military)..what to expect?

Question

I have my first doctor's appointment on base tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous because I don't know what to expect. I've been having some digestive/stomach issues and am hoping they can tell me what's wrong. Are they going to have me wear an examination gown and examine me, or just talk with me? Any info from those who've been there and done that before would be great, thanks!

Answer 1

I was where you are just a month ago! I went to my first doctor visit on base and took my husband along so he could make sure I didn't get lost and did everything I was supposed to do.

I'm not sure which branch you are with but my husband is a marine so I see a navy doctor here on New River.

I showed up about a half hour before my appointment so I had plenty of time to find parking and check in. I went into family services and the secretary gave me some paperwork to fill out. Make sure you have your military ID and any info they gave you when you enrolled in the medical program. Once I finished filling everything out I took a seat and was seen within 20 minutes. I've heard a lot of people say they wait forever to be seen but I may have just gotten lucky because there was very few people there. Be prepared to wait either way.

I had scheduled for a physical and to discuss some stomach pains I had been having. Prior to seeing the doctor a nurse took me into a room, took my vitals, weighed me, and asked me a few questions then set me up in a different room telling me that the doctor would be in soon. The doctor came in a while later and we sat and talked about my concerns and problems. Discussed some treatment options and any worries I'd been having. He did the usual physical exam (i.e. listened to my breathing, checked my reflexes, ears, throat, etc. etc.) and then had me lie down and simply pushed around on my ribs and stomach (without lifting my shirt) to see about the stomach issue.

Once the physical exam was done we sat and talked some more about  any questions I had regarding treatment and he even answered some of the questions I had about how Tricare works and the whole process you go through for each thing. (referrals and appointments etc.)

Once we were done I met with the secretary to schedule a separate appointment and left. I waited the longest to pick up my prescriptions.

Overall my experience was great and the doctor was very easy to talk to and comfortable. I had a great experience in the emergency room recently as well. In my experience as long as you are polite and patient everyone is always very happy to help. Don't be afraid to ask questions! If they don't know the answer they will often refer you to someone who will.

(I apologize for this being so long. I hope this helps!)

~Amanda

P.S. If you do have a horrible first experience report it to your medical provider right away. The same as you would if you were seeing a civilian doctor.  

Answer 2

no they will probably just ask you about your symptoms, check your blood pressure, heartbeat etc. when you first go in, go to family  practice, at my base their are 2 computers that you sign in at, you fill out your name, what doctor you are seeing, if you are a enlisted or a dependent (which you are) why you are their, and then they will call your name and make sure you have your military ID, if they don't have a computer just go to the front desk show them your military ID and tell them you have an appointment, good luck

Answer 3

It's just like going to a civlian doctor.  You check in at the desk, show them your ID. tell them you appt time and the doctor you are seeing (if you know).  You will then have your vitals taken and sit in the waiting room or be taken to a room.  The doctor will come in a discuss with you your problem.  They will not put you in a gown unless they need to examine a part of you that can't be revealed by rolling down, pulling up, untucking or unzipping a part of your clothing.   If they see cause for testing, they will let you know where to go and what to do.

Don't worry, it's just like going to any docotr anywhere else!  Not all doctors are military.  There are civilian doctors too.  You may not even see a doctor.  many times you will be seen by a PA.  You will rarely see the same person twice.

Answer 4

Army Docs and Nurses are exactly as they are in the civilian world when dealing with the general public.  Some are cool and then you have your typical elitist clowns that look down on you...just like in the civilian world.  

My wife was a Surgical RN for 12 years before going into the Army Nurse Corps and backs me up on what I've just stated.  You've got good docs and quacks....exactly like the world.

Answer 5

Army docs aren't the best. I've been dealing with them my whole life. Good luck....

Answer 6

doctors and nurses and treatments are basically the same.

The only difference in a military base is you are going to wait before seeing them.  

Answer 7

You won't find much difference than in going to a civilian doctor. The gown will depend on what the doctor needs to examine you.