What to expect at your first checkup

A first checkup with a new doctor can feel uncertain — you do not know what to expect, what questions will be asked, or how long it will take. The good news is that it follows a predictable structure, and knowing that structure in advance makes the visit far less stressful.

At King Street Medical Centre, a first checkup typically runs 30 to 45 minutes. Your doctor will begin with a health history review — this covers your current medications, past surgeries, family history, allergies, and any conditions you are already managing. Bring a list if you have one. It saves time and ensures nothing gets missed.

After the health history, your doctor will do a physical examination. This usually includes blood pressure, heart and lung sounds, and a general assessment. Depending on your age and risk factors, your doctor may order baseline blood work — cholesterol, blood sugar, thyroid function, and a complete blood count are common.

You will also have the chance to raise any concerns you have been putting off. This is the time to ask about that ache that has been bothering you for three months, the sleep problems you have normalized, or the family history of heart disease you have been quietly worried about. A good first visit is a two-way conversation.

What to bring: your Ontario health card (OHIP), a list of current medications with dosages, names of any specialists you see, and a note of any recent test results. If you have records from a previous family doctor, contact their office to have them transferred — most clinics will send them directly.