10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor on Your Next Visit

Becky Barnett, PA-C, Director of Primary Care Services • July 24, 2024

Visiting your primary care provider (PCP) is a crucial step in maintaining your health and well-being. It’s not just about addressing current health issues but also about planning for the future and preventing potential problems. To make the most of your next doctor’s visit, here are 10 essential questions to ask your PCP.


What movement do you recommend for me? 


Daily movement is an important component of wellness, but everyone has different needs when it comes to activity. Ask your PCP for recommendations tailored to your specific health goals and fitness level. Whether it’s a cardiovascular routine, strength training, or low impact movement like walking or yoga, your provider can guide you towards activities that are safe and effective for you.


How Often Should I Be Getting Blood Work and Other Testing?


Regular blood work and other tests can aid in early detection of health issues.Discuss with your PCP how frequently you should be tested based on your age, family history, and any existing health conditions. Establishing a schedule for routine screenings can help you stay proactive about your health.


What Side Effects Should I Be Looking Out for With My Medication?


Medications can have side effects that may impact your daily life. Make sure to ask about any potential side effects of your current medications and what you should do if you experience them. This information is crucial for managing your health and ensuring your treatment plan is effective and safe.


Are There Any Health Risks I Should Be Looking Out For?


Your PCP can provide insights into specific health risks you might face based on your personal and family medical history. Whether it’s heart disease, diabetes, or another condition, understanding these risks can help you take preventive measures to protect your health.


When Should I See You Again?


Regular follow-up visits are important for monitoring your health and adjusting your care plan as needed. Ask your PCP when you should schedule your next appointment and what you should do in the meantime to maintain your health.


What Vaccinations Do I Need?


Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is essential for preventing diseases. Inquire about any vaccines you might need, whether they’re routine immunizations or specific ones based on your travel plans or health conditions.


How Can I Improve My Diet?


Nutrition plays a vital role in overall health. Ask your PCP for advice on your diet to meet your nutrition goals, whether it's eating more intuitively ,managing a chronic health condition, or simply feeling better.


What Can I Do to Manage Stress Better?


Chronic stress can negatively impact your health. Discuss stress management techniques with your PCP, such as mindfulness practices or therapy, to find strategies that work best for you.


Are There Any Lifestyle Changes I Should Consider?


Sometimes, small lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your health. Your PCP can provide personalized recommendations for changes that can improve your quality of life, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, or getting more sleep.


What Should I Do if I Experience Symptoms of (specific condition)?


If you have a chronic condition or are at risk for one, knowing what to do if symptoms arise is crucial. Ask your PCP for clear instructions on how to handle any potential health issues that may come up between visits.



Asking these questions during your next visit can help you take a proactive approach to your health. Remember, your primary care provider is there to support you, so don’t hesitate to bring up any concerns or questions you may have. Taking an active role in your healthcare can lead to better outcomes and a healthier life.


If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your health, schedule an appointment with us at Thrive Wellness. Our team is here to provide comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to your needs.

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December 2, 2025
Like the fir tree, a symbol of endurance rooted in hope, our Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR) approach reflects the strength that grows when families face challenges together. At our new residential center “The Greenhouse”, FIR is more than a treatment model, it’s a philosophy of healing that places families at the heart of recovery for adolescents and young adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We believe lasting healing doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built with the support of families through perseverance, hope, and compassionate care. What Is Family Inclusive Recovery (FIR)? Family Intensive Recovery (FIR) is a specialized and immersive approach that actively engages caregivers as central agents in their child’s healing process. Rather than seeing families as contributors to a problem, we view them as essential partners in recovery. Drawing from two evidence-based frameworks, Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Family-Based Treatment (FBT), FIR helps families cultivate resilience, confidence, and connection throughout the journey to recovery. Grounded in SPACE and FBT Through the SPACE model, parents learn how to recognize and reduce well-intentioned but unhelpful behaviors known as accommodations that can reinforce anxiety and OCD symptoms. By shifting from rescuing to supporting and challenging, parents develop the confidence to guide their child through discomfort, helping them build distress tolerance and self-trust. Simultaneously, Family-Based Treatment (FBT) empowers families to take an active, compassionate role in their child’s nutritional and emotional recovery. Parents learn how to support weight and nutritional restoration, disrupt the eating disorder’s patterns, and reestablish boundaries that promote health and growing autonomy. Together, these approaches strengthen both the individual and family system, allowing recovery to take root within an environment of empathy and optimism. From Blame to Collaboration A cornerstone of the FIR model is removing blame. At Thrive, parents are not viewed as the cause of their child’s struggles, but rather as key partners in recovery. Treatment focuses on joining forces to create a safe, supportive environment where: Families learn to sit with their child's discomfort alongside them without rushing to fix or control it. Parents practice compassionate firmness, setting boundaries grounded in care and safety. Teens and caregivers rebuild trust through open, honest communication. This collaborative framework helps families reestablish a sense of connection and confidence, fostering long-term resilience and open communication that extends beyond the treatment setting. Why Family Matters in Recovery Recovery from eating disorders, OCD, or anxiety isn’t a one-person job, it requires integrated care including the family. When families learn to navigate challenges together, they can model emotional regulation, reinforce healthy boundaries, and create conditions for sustained recovery. Through FIR, we aim to strengthen attachment bonds, reshape family interactions, and empower every member of the family to grow. The result is not only symptom reduction but also a deeper sense of unity, hope, and shared endurance, just like the steadfast fir tree that stands resilient through every season. Moving Toward Hope Family Inclusive Recovery invites caregivers and loved ones to become active participants in change. It’s a journey of learning, letting go, and leaning into love and acceptance. Together, families and clinicians can cultivate the courage in clients to face uncertainty, and in doing so, help them discover that recovery is not just possible, but enduring. If you’d like to learn more about Family Intensive Recovery at The Greenhouse or how we support families in eating disorder and OCD treatment, reach out to our team today.
November 14, 2025
The Greenhouse at Thrive Wellness A New Chapter of Hope and Healing in Nevada On Friday, November 14 , we gathered with our partners at Molina Healthcare to share an important moment for our community. Together, we celebrated Molina’s generous $50,000 grant , an investment that is helping bring The Greenhouse to life. Their support is not only a financial contribution—it’s a statement of belief in the young people and families of Nevada who deserve access to compassionate, evidence-based mental healthcare close to home. This gathering marked the beginning of something we’ve dreamed about for years: a place designed specifically for adolescents and emerging adults to receive the care, connection, and support they need during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Something New Is Growing In early 2026 , Thrive Wellness will open The Greenhouse , Nevada’s first residential treatment center devoted to adolescents and emerging adults navigating eating disorders, anxiety, and OCD . For too long, families have faced a heartbreaking dilemma—send their child far from home for treatment or go without the specialized care they need. The Greenhouse is our answer to that gap. It will be a place where young people can settle into an environment built for healing, where they are understood, supported, and surrounded by a team that believes in their capacity to recover. The Greenhouse represents a natural extension of our mission. It’s a living expression of our belief that recovery is possible—and that with the right support, families can find their footing again. 
November 11, 2025
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back this holiday season? Thrive Wellness is excited to continue our 6th Annual Giving Tree Program in collaboration with Perenn Bakery this winter. This year, Thrive Wellness Reno and Perenn Bakery are proud to partner with Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northern Nevada. The organization supports families with children receiving treatment at area hospitals, providing comfort, hope, and a home-away-from-home during challenging times. Ronald McDonald House Charities offers essential services, removes barriers, strengthens families, and promotes healing when children need healthcare the most. How It Works Simply take one (or a few) tags from the Giving Tree, each listing an item you can purchase and donate for residents of the Ronald McDonald House. Then, drop off your item(s) at one of our designated donation locations by Friday, December 19. Items Needed: Restaurant gift cards Walmart or Target gift cards Games, puzzles, and coloring books Toys (Barbie, Hot Wheels, Lego sets, craft sets, magnet blocks, baby dolls, action figures, journals, infant toys, etc.) Children's books (picture, chapter, and graphic novels) Toiletry sets (for adults) Lotion/self-care gift sets (for adults) Sweatshirts/hoodies (adults, XS-XXL) Scarves, gloves, fuzzy socks, pajamas (all sizes) Infant diapers, onesies, and baby bottles Bulk individually wrapped snacks (granola bars, chips, etc.) Please ensure all donations are new, in original packaging, and unwrapped. Donation Drop-Off Locations Please deliver donations by Friday, December 19, to one of the following sites: Thrive Wellness 201 W Liberty St., Suite 201, Reno, NV 89501 Perenn Grocery 7600 Rancharrah Pkwy, Suite 130, Reno, NV 89511 The first 50 people to return their donations will receive a complimentary ornament gift!  Why We Give Back Through our Giving Tree program, we’re honoring one of our core values at Thrive Wellness: staying rooted in community. This annual tradition allows us to give back to those who need support most during the holiday season. We invite you to join us by taking a tag at any Thrive or Perenn location and helping spread kindness throughout our community. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than by supporting local families with thoughtful, heartfelt donations. We are deeply grateful for your generosity and continued support. Thank you for helping us make a difference!
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