New to Lifetime Vitality Clinic? What to expect at your first visit

Starting with a new clinic can feel like a lot, especially in early August, when summer's winding down and school calendars are filling up. Getting started with us is simple, from signing up to signing in to your patient portal. Patients come to us from Portland, Corpus Christi, and nearby towns, and the steps below are the same for everyone.

Three easy ways to become a patient

You don't need a referral to become a patient or to be seen. Pick whatever works best for you:

• Register online. Our new patient page takes just a few minutes. The form asks for your contact details and a few basics, not your medical history. A member of our team will then reach out, usually within 1 to 2 business days during clinic hours, to finish your registration and schedule your visit.
• Call us. Reach our team at (361) 208-6701 and we'll help you get set up.
• Walk in. Walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM, and same-day visits are often available.

What to bring with you

A little preparation helps your first visit go smoothly. Please bring:

• A photo ID, such as a driver's license
• Your insurance card, if you have one
• A list of your current medications, including the dose and how often you take each one. Add vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines too

It also helps to jot down any health questions, along with the dates of past surgeries and any major health problems in your family. If you check your blood pressure or blood sugar at home, bring those numbers.

We accept all major insurance plans. Call (361) 208-6701 and we'll verify your benefits before your visit. No insurance? Self-pay is welcome, and we always tell you the cost before any extra tests or treatments.

What happens at your first visit

Plan to arrive a little early. New patients usually need about 15 extra minutes for registration and paperwork. After that, a typical first visit includes:

• Checking your vitals, like blood pressure, heart rate, and weight
• Talking through your health history, including past illnesses, family history, and lifestyle
• Reviewing your medications to make sure everything's up to date and works well together
• Discussing your goals and concerns, from a checkup to a new problem or help with an ongoing condition

Your provider may suggest labs or other tests and will explain why. You should leave with a clear idea of your next steps.

Getting records from your last provider

Your past records, such as old lab results, imaging reports, and screening dates, help your new provider see the full picture. To get them, contact your previous clinic and ask for a copy of your medical records. Most offices will ask you to sign a release form first, and processing can take some time, so ask early. If you have copies at home or in an old patient portal, bring those to your visit.

The care we offer

Lifetime Vitality Clinic is a primary care clinic for adolescents and adults ages 12 and up. That includes:

• Annual wellness exams and preventive screenings
• Ongoing care for conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, and asthma
• Sick visits for colds, flu, sore throats, infections, and minor injuries, with walk-ins welcome
• School and sports physicals, which come in handy this time of year
• On-site diagnostics, including lab draws, EKG, X-ray, and ultrasound, coordinated by our diagnostics team the same day when possible

When you need a specialist, your provider can coordinate a referral. For a medical emergency, always call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. We're closed on weekends, so if something can't wait until we reopen, a local urgent care center can help.

Your FollowMyHealth patient portal

We use FollowMyHealth, a secure patient portal you can use on your phone or on the web. One free account lets you:

• See your upcoming appointments and visit history
• View your records, including visit summaries, lab results, and medication lists
• Request prescription refills

After your first visit, or once you have one scheduled, we'll email you an invitation to set up your account. To schedule, reschedule, or cancel an appointment, please call our office.

We look forward to meeting you

You'll find us at 125 Northshore Blvd in Portland, open Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM. We serve Portland, Corpus Christi, and surrounding areas. Walk-ins are welcome during clinic hours, and you can call (361) 208-6701 with any questions before you come. Ready to get started? Become a patient, learn more about our annual wellness exams, or browse our frequently asked questions.