Bipolar is a serious diagnosis that will be in your medical history forever, so most clinicians won't officially diagnose after one meeting unless you're so manic you need to be in the hospital.

Bringing a personal history is a good idea. The pdoc will want to talk to you, but you can give him something in writing for him to review later.

I would go to the first appointment alone. It's easier to be completely honest with the pdoc that way. (Pdoc might ask about risky sexual behavior in your past...)

A two day mood journal isn't really worth the effort.

Unless you're in a REALLY bad state you won't go inpatient. Just the fact that you wrote out a long coherent question shows you're probably not there. Intensive outpatient... Maybe, depends on what your state is. If you're functioning at home and functioning at work, then probably no.

Meds... Yes, you'll probably get meds.

Don't put the pdoc on the clock for the diagnosis. The diagnosis doesn't matter. TREATMENT and felling better matter.

Whenever I've seen a new pdoc it's usually a 50 minute assessment. That's actually a lot of time to be thorough. .