Patient Appointments

A little preparation can lead to a smoother appointment at UNM Health. Before your appointment, we'll call to remind you of the time and date. We'll also ask for your registration information.

For a handbook about our Patient-Centered Medical Home, click here for a readable PDF copy.

Arrive Early

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment. This will allow time to park and walk or take a shuttle. If you’re running late, call your clinic as soon as possible. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you may need to reschedule or see a different provider.

Please Bring These Items to Your Appointment

  • Completed health history form (if available)
  • Copay (the amount you need to pay for medical care, listed on your health insurance card)
  • Identification
  • Insurance information (if applicable)
  • List of allergies
  • List of questions or concerns to discuss with your doctor
  • List of prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, including supplements, vitamins and herbs you take
  • Medical record number (if available)
  • Names, addresses and reports of providers you have seen outside UNM Health, as well as test results from those appointments
  • Paperwork for Family and Medical Leave Act or disability benefits
  • Record of your vaccinations
  • Records of your blood pressure, blood sugar and daily weight (if applicable)
  • Referral and/or authorization forms, if required by your insurance provider

Your First Appointment

At check-in, please give us your contact information, medical record number and copayment. If you haven’t already completed a health history form, you’ll fill one out.

Before you see your provider, we will ask about your symptoms and medications. We will also take your temperature, height, weight and blood pressure.

We will spend much of the first appointment getting to know you and reviewing your health history. If your concerns are not resolved in the first visit, we’ll help you schedule another appointment.

Staying Healthy

Your provider may recommend certain tests and screenings—such as mammograms, lab work or colonoscopies, depending on your age and medical history. You may meet with a nurse for help in setting and achieving health goals. We may also refer you to see a specialist for advanced care.

Tips for Talking to Your Doctor

During your appointment, take notes or ask a family member to help. You can ask your provider to write down instructions for you and request printed information about your condition.

To get the most out of your appointment, come prepared with questions to ask your provider. Common questions include:

  • What is my diagnosis?
  • What caused my condition?
  • Can my condition be treated?
  • How will this condition affect me now and in the future?
  • Should I watch for any symptoms and notify you if they occur?
  • Should I make any lifestyle changes?
  • What is the treatment for my condition?
  • When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
  • What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?
  • What are the risks and side effects with this treatment?
  • Are there foods, drugs or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
  • If my treatment includes taking a medicine, what should I do if I miss a dose?
  • Are there other treatments?
  • What kinds of tests will I have?
  • What do you expect to find out from these tests?
  • When will I know the results?
  • Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
  • Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
  • Will I need more tests later?