You are the expert on your health. That’s why we start by listening to you. Here is what to expect from your first visit to Equitas Health, and how you can prepare.
Make an AppointmentOur medical centers use a patient-centered, team approach and the latest evidence-based practices to give you the highest quality care. Our goal is to make it easy and comfortable for you to get the care you need. You are not a diagnosis or a risk-factor. You are a whole person. You have worries and dreams, hardships and joys, work and a future. And you are worthy of health.
Your Care Team of Equitas Health doctors and nurses, psychiatric nurse practitioners, pharmacists, dentists, therapists, financial counselors, and health advocates will make sure you get the right blend of care to meet your health goals.
Use MyChart to attend TeleHealth visits, contact your care team, keep track of appointments, and view lab results.
How long will my first visit be, and what will it involve?
All first medical visits are 30 minutes long.
Your first dental visit will last about 60 – 90 minutes. This is a little longer than our normal appointments. It gives your dentist or hygienist time to learn about your health history and concerns.
Your first counseling or psychiatry visit will be longer than our normal appointments.
During your first visit, we will review your health record and tests. We also will ask some questions to get to know you, your symptoms, and treatment needs. We call this a Diagnostic Assessment. Once that is done, we can offer you:
After the Diagnostic Assessment, you will decide if you want to keep your care with us based on the facts we gave you. If you decide to stay with us, your next visit will focus on making your own treatment plan.
During your first medical appointment, your doctor or nurse practitioner will order blood tests and do exams based on your health history. They might do some other tests, such as a skin test for tuberculosis or talk to you about getting your shots for pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19. Our medical centers have lab services and pharmacies on site to make it easy for you.
You will see the hygienist at your first visit. The hygienist will work closely with one of our dental assistants to take x-rays that will help the dentist spot any problems with your teeth and gums. You may also have a teeth cleaning. Sometimes the health of your gums makes it necessary to have a more involved cleaning called scaling and root planning. If that’s the case, the dentist and the hygienist will let you know. They may ask you to plan another visit to do that treatment.
Before you see one of our providers, we will ask you to sign and review certain documents. Some of these have to be in place before your first visit, and some you will need to bring with you. We will review this with you at the time you schedule your first visit with us.
If you have a printer, please print and fill out the following forms before your first visit. If you do not have a printer, please come 15 minutes before your appointment, so you will have time to fill out the forms.
If you have a printer, please print and fill out the following forms before your first visit. If you do not have a printer, please come 15 minutes before your appointment, so you will have time to fill out the forms.
Before your first visit, you may be asked to answer some questions to help us get to know you better. You may receive them through MyChart, in person, or we may call you on the phone. These assessments could include:
Be honest with you doctor, nurse practitioner, and other members of your care team. Tell them about your health concerns, so that they can get you the help you need. Let them know if you use alcohol or drugs, since it can affect your treatment. We are not here to judge or shame. At Equitas Health, we are proud to provide welcoming care for all.
First appointments can be overwhelming. Your care team is here to help you understand your health and your treatment. To get the most out of your visit, remember to:
Call the office in advance or send a message on MyChart.
Equitas Health doctors and nurse practitioners do not handle chronic pain issues and do not prescribe controlled substances for new patients. If you have chronic pain, your doctor or nurse practitioner will give you the name of a specialist outside of our system or help you explore other methods for dealing with pain.
We offer interpretive services for 200+ languages at all locations. Please ask for assistance. You deserve to understand.
Affordable Healthcare
We proudly accept Medicaid, Medicare, and most private insurance plans. Don’t have insurance? Talk to our coverage navigators.
The Sliding Fee Discount lowers the cost of our medical, pharmacy, dental, and mental health counseling services for people with lower earnings.
If you are living with HIV, our health advocates will help you find programs to help pay for treatment and other services.
Most Ohioans can get PAPI and other programs that cover the cost of PrEP and PrEP-related costs.
Review the COVID-19 symptoms and learn what to do if you have them.
COVID-19 Precautions about COVID PrecautionsNeed help finding an insurance plan that meets your needs? Want to learn about our sliding fee scale? We can help!
Affording Care about Financial CounselingYou can pay for your care in-person, on MyChart, by phone, or by mail. Thank you!
Pay My Bill about Pay My BillOur pharmacies offer many vaccinations—including the COVID-19 vaccine—to keep you and your family healthy. No appointment necessary.
Vaccination about VaccinationsWe heal when we ask for help and when we help others. You do not have to be alone on your health journey. Find a community of support at Equitas Health.
Support Groups about Support GroupsPrEP is a daily pill that can prevent HIV. Most Ohioans qualify for programs that cover the cost of PrEP and related expenses.
PrEP care about PrEP CareFind out when your elected leaders are making policy that impacts access to care, LGBTQ+ equity, and racial justice.
Action Alerts about Take Action!Don’t know what you don’t know? View our full list of services and build your care team. You deserve access to quality, affordable, affirming care!
Our Services about View All Services
Equitas Health reinvests 100 % of our pharmacy profits back into our programs and services. Your prescription can help pay for someone else’s lifesaving care. Why not pay it forward?
Transfer Your Prescriptions about Our Pharmacy Gives Back
New to TeleHealth? Your first medical or counseling visit with a smart phone, tablet, or PC will take a little time to set up. We would like to walk you through the steps, so you’ll be ready for your appointment.
Get Set for TeleHealth about TeleHealth
Blog 11/7/24
Blog 10/16/24
Public Statement 9/21/24
Our focus remains on integrating our programs to better serve historically neglected communities, always with an understanding of the unique and intersectional needs of the diverse LGBTQ+ population.
