What to Expect at Your First Visit with an Internist
Your First Visit with an Internist
Discover what to expect when you meet with Dr. Sonia Durairaj at Elevated Health—personalized, unhurried care designed around you.
A guide to building a trusted relationship with your primary care physician
If you’ve scheduled your first visit with an internist, you might be wondering what to expect—and how this type of care differs from the typical, rushed experience you may be used to. At Elevated Health, our goal is to make every appointment feel personal, unhurried, and centered around you. Here’s what you can expect when meeting with Dr. Sonia Durairaj for the first time.
What Is an Internist?
Understanding the role of an internal medicine physician
An internist is a doctor who specializes in the care of adults, focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, and management of a wide range of health concerns—from everyday issues like fatigue or high blood pressure to more complex conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders.
Dr. Durairaj is a board-certified internist with over 20 years of experience. She provides evidence-based, relationship-driven care for adults of all ages, helping patients feel supported throughout every stage of life.
Your First Appointment: More Time, More Listening
A conversation—not a checklist
Unlike many traditional primary care practices, your first visit at Elevated Health won’t be a quick 15-minute review. Dr. Durairaj offers extended appointments so there’s time to dig deeper into your health history, lifestyle, concerns, and goals.
You’ll talk about:
Your current health and any ongoing symptoms
Medical history, including past diagnoses, surgeries, and medications
Family health history
Lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, diet, and activity
Preventive screenings and any labs or tests that may be appropriate
Expect a thoughtful conversation that goes beyond surface-level care—because understanding the full picture is key to long-term wellness.
Building a Long-Term Relationship
Your care is personal, not transactional
One of the biggest differences in working with a concierge internist is continuity. At Elevated Health, Dr. Durairaj sees fewer patients so she can spend more time with each one. You won’t be passed from provider to provider—you’ll work directly with Dr. Durairaj to build a relationship grounded in trust, communication, and shared decision-making.
This model also means:
Same- or next-day appointments when you need them
Direct access via phone, text, or secure messaging
Support for both acute issues and long-term health planning
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
A few things to help you get the most out of your visit
To make the most of your first visit, it’s helpful to bring:
A list of current medications and supplements
Any recent lab results or imaging reports (if available)
Your medical and surgical history
A list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss
You’ll also have time to talk through how the membership model works and what’s included in your care.
The Start of Something Better
A new standard of care—thoughtful, accessible, and built around you
At Elevated Health, your health isn’t rushed, overlooked, or reduced to a list of symptoms. Your first visit with Dr. Durairaj is just the beginning of a more connected, proactive approach to primary care—one that prioritizes your peace of mind and empowers you to take control of your health.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We’re here to answer your questions and help you decide if membership-based care is right for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation or learn more about becoming a patient at Elevated Health.
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Sonia Durairaj, MD, MSCP
Dr. Sonia Durairaj, MD, MSCP, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and Menopause Society Certified Practitioner with more than 20 years of experience caring for adults across all stages of life. She is the founder of Elevated Health, a concierge internal medicine and menopause care practice in Austin's Westlake Hills area, where she provides personalized, unhurried care with a deep focus on prevention, hormonal health, and midlife wellness for women. Dr. Durairaj is a proud Ms.Medicine affiliate physician.