Getting the Most Value from a Doctor Visit

Updated March 9, 2023

Boulder Community Health (BCH) physicians strive to provide patients with the best possible experience when they come for medical care. Since doctors must complete a number of tasks during each patient visit, they work to make every minute count. Some basic preparation by patients can help both patients and physicians get the most value from every visit.

BCH recommends taking the following steps:

• Sign up for MyBCH: We encourage all patients to sign up for the MyBCH patient portal to utilize the e-check in function to minimize check-in time and complete required paperwork before arriving at the clinic.
• Have personal information on hand: Make sure to bring a photo ID and insurance card to every in-person visit.
• Prioritize your questions: Help the doctor set an agenda by asking your most urgent questions first. Understand that there may not be time for all questions at one visit.
• Complete paperwork before your visit: Do all required online or paper questionnaires before you arrive for your visit. Much of this can be completed via a patient’s MyBCH account.
• Bring your medications or a list of all medications
• Send records ahead of time: This is especially important when you’re making an initial visit to a new doctor. Check with the clinic for the best method to do this. It is also helpful to know what tests you’ve had in the past and when and where they were administered.
• Don’t hold back information: The more information the doctor has, the quicker they can figure out what is going on with your health. This includes talking about things that some may feel are embarrassing to discuss, like family stress or substance use.

BCH also offers convenient Virtual Visits for patients who don’t need to see their physician in person. Our options include a video or phone visit with your physician, as well as an E-Visit for those who don't need to speak directly with their care provider. These virtual visits allow patients to receive care from their home for most non-urgent medical needs. If you need urgent medical care, please contact your clinic by phone or find a nearby urgent care center. For medical emergencies, call 911 immediately.

Schedule an appointment with one of our primary care providers today.