What is the purpose of a follow-up appointment?

A follow-up appointment primarily serves the purpose of monitoring the patient's progress after a diagnosis or treatment has been initiated. It allows healthcare providers to assess how well a patient is responding to treatment, determine if the treatment is effective, and make any necessary adjustments to the management plan. During follow-ups, clinicians can evaluate symptoms, side effects, and overall well-being, ensuring that the treatment aligns with the patient's needs.

While initiating new treatments, conducting diagnostic tests, or referring to specialists may be components of patient care, they are not the primary focus of a follow-up appointment. Follow-ups are fundamentally about continuity of care, enabling clinicians to provide ongoing support and optimize health outcomes.