Tips for a Better Doctor Visit
1. Have as many medical records as possible with you to document
your medical condition, especially for a new visit or a consult.
Go by the hospital, lab or other doctor's office and get copies.
This saves the doctor time and sometimes even avoids an extra
official call.
2. Bring in the actual bottles of prescriptions. While lists are
helpful, the bottles reveal how many are prescribed at a time,
dosage, and if there are any refills left. There is no more
guessing about the "little blue pill." With so many generics the
same drug can show up as many different shapes and sizes
depending on the manufacturer. Now you can both be on the same
page when talking about a specific medication. I am also
surprised at the many errors on the bottles by the pharmacist.
3. Create a list of questions/requests before your visit. In
fact, it would be ideal to tell the person making the
appointment what areas you need to discuss. This is not the time
to say its "personal." We assume it is all personal in a medical
office. It helps us be prepared in scheduling, equipment, and
assigning the proper room. Believe it or not, we have heard most
of your problems before. Of course if it is extremely sensitive
in nature than just tell the receptionist how much time you will
need to discuss your personal problem.
4. Try to keep to one system of the body per visit unless a
complete physical is done. Most office visits are geared to
blocks of 15 minutes. Usually this is adequate to cover most
simple problems such as a rash, upper respiratory infection, and
urinary infection just as examples. The longer you have had the
problem or the vaguer the symptoms such as abdominal pain or
dizziness expect to spend more time. Don't hesitate to ask for
more time. We would rather know ahead of time what your
expectations are.
5. Ask for prescription refills, notes for work or school, and
forms to fill out at the beginning of the office visit rather
than at the end. Of course, a friendly reminder is always good
if it has been overlooked when you leave. You can always give a
list of medications needing refills to the nurse at the
beginning of the visit too. Again, communication helps everyone
get their needs met.
6. Be realistic in your expectations. If you start the
discussion on a topic that is unrelated to the original problem
on the schedule and want some answers, this leaves less time
available for other problems. For example, if you are due to
have a pap smear and gynecological exam but start with a
headache complaint that requires a physical and full history,
don't expect all of it to be done in one visit. Always
prioritize what is most important for that day. Sometimes
problems become more important, symptoms severe since the
original appointment or follow up was made. Just tell the nurse
or doctor things have changed as soon as possible. That way we
can stay on schedule and you can get the most important problem
addressed.
7. Don't leave the office without telling someone if you aren't
satisfied with your service. Most doctors and staff assume
everything is going ok unless told. It is easier to fix a
problem, answer a question or complaint as soon as possible
while the information is still fresh. If you are uncomfortable
talking or can't stay, write a quick note. Many areas are
sensitive and highly charged emotionally. It is easy to
misunderstand directions, reasons for tests, or the intent of
the doctor's remarks. We really do care how you feel.
8. It is easier to process your visit on time and handle
paperwork if all of your information is correct. Tell the
receptionist if you have moved, have a new telephone number, or
changed medical insurance. Always bring your insurance card with
you.
9. I know everyone is busy and overscheduled. The number one
reason doctors are behind in the schedule is patients showing up
late. True, other factors can play a role such as telephone
calls and very sick patients. Just be aware that as the day
progresses the problem gets magnified. If you must get in and
out quickly try to book the very first or second appointment of
the morning or afternoon.
10. Be flexible. Medical offices are there to serve the
patients. Sometimes bad news, a tragic accident, or a serious
medical condition requires more time and attention of the staff.
We can't hurry someone out who is in tears. Just be
understanding that if it is you, you will get the extra time and
attention needed.
About the author:
Author: Katherine A Martin, D.O. - Board Certified Family
Practice Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for
the whole person. Visit my web site at
http://www.DO-Medicine.com
