Your First Visit at Osteopathic Healing Arts
Choosing a new primary care physician is an important decision. Whether you’re exploring Direct Primary Care for the first time or specifically looking for an osteopathic physician, it’s natural to have questions about what your first visit will be like.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, our goal is to create a welcoming, comfortable environment where you have the time to discuss your health concerns, ask questions, and develop a plan that fits your needs.
Unlike many traditional medical practices where appointments can feel rushed, your first visit is an opportunity to begin building a relationship with your physician.
On This Page
Before Your Appointment
Preparing for your first visit doesn’t have to be complicated, but gathering a few pieces of information ahead of time can help make your appointment as productive as possible.
You may want to bring:
- A list of your current medications and supplements
- Information about previous medical conditions or surgeries
- Any recent laboratory results or imaging studies, if available
- Contact information for your previous healthcare providers
- A list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything. Our goal isn’t to create extra work for you; it’s simply to gain a better understanding of your health history.
More Than a Routine Intake
Many people are accustomed to healthcare visits that begin with a few quick questions before moving directly to the primary reason for the appointment.
Your first visit at Osteopathic Healing Arts is designed to be more comprehensive.
Dr. Starkman wants to understand not only what brings you into the office today, but also your overall health story.
That may include discussing:
- Your personal and family medical history
- Current symptoms and concerns
- Previous treatments you’ve tried
- Lifestyle habits such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep
- Stress and other factors that may be affecting your health
- Your personal health goals
Sometimes the details that seem unrelated turn out to be important pieces of the puzzle. Taking the time to understand the whole person helps create a care plan that is both thoughtful and individualized.
A Conversation, Not a Clock
One of the biggest differences patients notice is the pace of the appointment.
Traditional healthcare often requires physicians to move quickly from one patient to the next. That can make it difficult to ask every question or discuss concerns in depth.
The Direct Primary Care model allows for a different experience.
Instead of feeling pressured to fit everything into just a few minutes, you’ll have the opportunity to talk openly about your health, discuss treatment options, and ask questions along the way.
We believe informed patients make better decisions about their health, and that begins with meaningful conversations.
A Thorough Evaluation
Every patient is different, so no two first visits are exactly alike.
Depending on your needs, your appointment may include:
- A detailed medical history
- A physical examination
- Review of previous medical records
- Discussion of medications
- Preventive health recommendations
- Evaluation of current symptoms
- Development of an initial treatment plan
If additional laboratory testing, imaging, referrals, or follow-up visits are appropriate, those recommendations will be discussed with you as part of your care.
Our focus is not simply on treating today’s concern but on understanding your health as a whole.
Will I Receive Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment During My First Visit?
Some patients schedule their first appointment specifically because they are interested in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). Others may have never heard of it before arriving.
Whether OMT is appropriate depends on your medical history, your symptoms, and the findings of your evaluation. If Dr. Starkman believes OMT may be beneficial, he will explain what it involves, answer your questions, and discuss whether it makes sense as part of your treatment plan.
Not every patient needs OMT, and it is never performed simply because it is available. Like every aspect of your care, the decision is based on your individual needs and goals.
Creating a Personalized Care Plan
At the end of your first visit, you should leave with more than just answers—you should have a clear understanding of the next steps.
Depending on your health needs, your care plan may include recommendations such as:
- Preventive screenings or routine health maintenance
- Lifestyle modifications related to nutrition, exercise, sleep, or stress management
- Medication management
- Laboratory testing or diagnostic imaging
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), when appropriate
- Referrals to specialists if additional expertise is needed
- Follow-up appointments to monitor your progress
Every recommendation is based on your individual health, your goals, and the conversations you’ve had during your appointment.
Healthcare isn’t one-size-fits-all, and your care plan shouldn’t be either.
Your Relationship Doesn’t End When the Appointment Does
One of the advantages of Direct Primary Care is that your relationship with your physician continues between office visits.
Health questions don’t always arise during scheduled appointments. Sometimes you think of a question after you’ve gone home. Sometimes new symptoms develop, or you’re unsure whether something requires an office visit.
As a Direct Primary Care member, you’ll have access to ongoing communication with Dr. Starkman, making it easier to ask questions, discuss concerns, and stay connected to your care.
That continuity is an important part of building a long-term relationship with your physician.
A Focus on Long-Term Health
Primary care isn’t just about treating illness when it occurs.
It’s also about helping you stay healthy.
Preventive care plays an important role in identifying potential health concerns early, managing chronic conditions, and supporting healthier habits over time.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, preventive care may include:
- Annual wellness visits
- Age-appropriate screenings
- Chronic disease management
- Vaccination guidance
- Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
- Weight management
- Health education and shared decision-making
Our goal is to help patients make informed choices that support their health today and in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Visit
How long is the first appointment?
The length of your first visit depends on your health history and the concerns you’d like to discuss. Because Direct Primary Care allows for a more personalized approach, your physician has the flexibility to spend the time needed to understand your health and answer your questions.
Should I bring my medical records?
If you have access to previous medical records, laboratory results, or imaging studies, they can be helpful. If you don’t have them available, don’t let that delay scheduling your first appointment.
Can I discuss more than one health concern?
Yes. One of the benefits of a comprehensive first visit is having the opportunity to discuss your overall health rather than focusing on only a single concern.
Will I receive treatment during my first visit?
That depends on your individual situation. Some patients receive treatment recommendations, medication adjustments, or OMT during their initial appointment, while others may need additional testing or follow-up before a treatment plan is finalized.
What if I need a specialist?
If specialized care is appropriate, Dr. Starkman will discuss your options and coordinate referrals when needed. Primary care and specialty care work best when they complement one another.
What if I’m generally healthy?
That’s actually one of the best times to establish care with a primary care physician. Preventive care, health screenings, and an ongoing relationship with your doctor can help identify concerns early and support your long-term health.
Why Patients Choose Osteopathic Healing Arts
Every medical practice has its own approach to patient care.
At Osteopathic Healing Arts, our philosophy combines the principles of osteopathic medicine with the accessibility and relationship-focused model of Direct Primary Care.
That means taking the time to listen, understanding your health beyond today’s symptoms, and working together to create a care plan that reflects your individual needs and goals.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, seeking relief from a new concern, or simply looking for a physician who takes the time to get to know you, we’re committed to providing thoughtful, comprehensive care centered on the whole person.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Finding the right primary care physician is about more than checking a box on your healthcare to-do list. It’s about choosing a partner in your health.
If you’re interested in learning more about Osteopathic Healing Arts, exploring Direct Primary Care, or scheduling your first visit, we’d be happy to answer your questions and help you decide whether our practice is the right fit for you.