Steps to make a doctor’s appointment (2024)

• If you have a clinic or doctor that you usually go, call them to make an appointment. If you need to find a clinic, think about what you need.
• Do you want a clinic close to you?
• How would you like to get to the clinic? By bus? By Metro? By Circulator? By Light Rail? By walking?
• Do you want a place that is free or low cost?
• Do you need translation services?
• Do you have specific health needs to be addressed?
• Do you want to keep this visit private from your parents or guardians?

Use this website’s clinic page to help you find a clinic that meets your needs. Call the clinic and ask them questions to make sure they can help you.

After you find a clinic, take the next steps.

• If you do not have health insurance, find a clinic that has free or low cost services.
• If you have insurance, check to see if it will work at the clinic. Not all clinics accept all kinds of insurance. Ask if they accept your insurance.

• Things to have ready before you call.
  • Health insurance card, if you have one.
  • Pen and paper so you can take notes.
  • Calendar, so you know your schedule.
• If no one answers, call back!
• If you hear a message, follow the steps in the message to talk to a live person or leave a message to get a call back.
• Some clinics may take 24 hours to call you back.
  • If urgent, find a clinic that will speak or see you the same day.
  • If Spanish is your native language, ask to talk to a Spanish-speaking staff member. Some clinics may not have Spanish-speaking staff.
• Things to say when making an appointment:
  • “Hi. I would like to make an appointment to see a doctor for [and given them a reason]…
    • …a physical exam.”
    • …a personal issue.”
• Things to ask
  • What hours they are open?
  • If you have health insurance, do they accept your insurance?
  • If you do not have health insurance, how much will a visit cost?
  • What services are offered?
  • If you need to be seen on the same-day, can they see you? If not urgent, how long will it take to get an appointment?
  • Share if you want to see a female or male doctor.
• Things to ask if you do not want your parents or guardians to know about the visit
  • Will my parents or guardians see my test results?
  • Is there anything the clinic can do to keep my parents from knowing about this visit?
  • Will my parents or guardians receive a bill for this visit that will tell them what kind of care I received?

• Your parents can help you make an appointment or you can do it yourself.
• Make sure to pick a time that works for you.

• Your health insurance card, if you have one.
• A Photo ID.
• Any questions or concerns you have about your health. Click here for sample questions. You can write these down so you do not forget.
• Your list of medicines you are taking now (including name of medicine, dose, how often you are taking the medicine). If you do not want to make a list, bring your medication with you.
• Your vaccine (immunization) records, if you have them. If you do not have these, you can still visit the doctor’s office.

• Come about 15 minutes before your appointment time. You may need to fill out some paperwork.
• If you are late, you may lose your appointment. You may need to wait or come back another time.
• If you need to change your appointment, call to reschedule (It’s best to do so at least 24 hours before your appointment).
• If you miss your appointment, call to make another one.