My office consists of the reception area, and the inner office.
The reception area is designed to make communicating about the necessary business of an initial visit flow as smoothly as possible.
The setting is open, so Stephanie, the Office Manager, is in full view of the incoming patient (and family). You are greeted and the initial processes of securing routine information begin.
A letter was sent to you prior the appointment, explaining the amount of information to be explored. You are urged to review multiple aspects of your history before coming to the visit.
Such information-gathering includes obtaining medical records, psychiatric records, laboratory testing, and information about prior and current medications and reactions to them. Obtaining this information takes time, so it is best to obtain this information as early as possible due to the length of time most medical records departments need to forward copies. Information from your current physician and psychiatrist usually require filling out formal releases of information in order to be obtained. Inpatient psychiatric and related medical records are desirable, and require filling out formal releases to get the information forwarded to you. Information about your medication use for at least the previous few years can be obtained from the computerized records at your pharmacy. Reviewing information about your birth and childhood may require talking with your parents, siblings, or other relatives. Records describing or detailing any difficulties in school, work, or the military are desirable because most individuals do not recall knowledge obtained from whatever other principals were involved. You are also asked to provide photographic identification, and if applicable, an insurance card. You will be asked about the method of payment.
The inner office was designed to ensure that communication between a patient and me will occur in a setting of comfort and security. The walls are double-thick, the doors are solid wood, there are baffles in the ventilation system, and there are multiple soft surfaces to control noise. There is neither video nor audio recording equipment. The furniture is comfortable. I do not sit behind my desk during the interview; I sit on an easy chair. The information that you have obtained – often at some difficulty – will all be reviewed with you. New information will be obtained. At times, a patient may prepare a short written history of their views on the onset and development of their illness. This too will be reviewed with you.
