Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit
Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit
Some tips on how to have a meaningful visit
Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash
As a doctor in practice for over 30 years, I understand that many patients can feel nervous or unsure when it comes to visiting their healthcare provider. However, a successful doctor visit can be a valuable tool in maintaining your overall health and wellbeing. To make your next doctor visit successful, there are several steps you can take before, during, and after your appointment.
Before Your Visit
Preparing for your visit is crucial in ensuring a successful outcome. Start by making a list of all the questions or concerns you would like to discuss with your healthcare provider. These can include anything from specific symptoms you have been experiencing to questions about medications or treatments. Having a clear understanding of what you want to address during your visit will help you stay focused and make the most of your appointment time.
Caveat- this is not the time to pull out a list of problems that you have been holding back on addressing for the last year. Most doctor appointments are limited by time, and may only be 15 minutes or so in length. So, if you have a list of problems, pick the top two or three you want to address and let the doctor know you have others but will schedule another appointment for the rest.
Or, when you make your appointment you can let them know you have several problems and perhaps the doctor has longer visits available for cases such as your’s. Patients think we can address a long list of problems in that time, but if I am truthful I can’t manage 6 problems in that timespan and do you justice.
It is also important to bring along any relevant medical records or test results. This can include previous lab work, imaging studies, or medical histories. Providing your healthcare provider with this information can help them make a more accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
During Your Visit
When your healthcare provider arrives, they will likely begin by asking you, “So, what brings you in today?” Be honest and specific in your responses, as this will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis.
Once a diagnosis and plan have been arrived at, don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider to explain the plan further. It is important that you fully understand your diagnosis and treatment options before leaving the office.
Likewise, if your healthcare provider prescribes medication or recommends a specific treatment, be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
Have a doctor or health care provider that won’t answer questions? Maybe it’s time to find someone else!
After Your Visit
After your visit, be sure to follow up with any additional appointments, tests, or treatments as recommended by your healthcare provider. If you were prescribed medication, be sure to take it as directed and keep track of any side effects or changes in your symptoms.
It can also be helpful to take some time to reflect on your visit and make note of any questions or concerns that you may have forgotten to address. This can be useful for future visits or when speaking with other healthcare providers.
In summary, here is a quick list of tips to help you, and your doctor-
Be honest and specific about your symptoms and concerns.
Bring along any relevant medical records or test results. This can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis and develop an effective treatment plan.
Be prepared with a list of questions or concerns that you would like to discuss with your healthcare provider. This can help you stay focused and make the most of your appointment time. Remember- limit the number of things you want to cover so as not to overload the doctor and to avoid errors.
Follow your healthcare provider's instructions carefully. If you have any questions or concerns about the medication or treatment, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Keep track of any changes in your symptoms or side effects from medications or treatments. This information can be helpful for future visits or when speaking with other healthcare providers.
By following these tips and taking an active role in your healthcare, you can make the most of your visit and ensure the best possible outcomes.
Remember, your healthcare provider is there to help you, and they want the best for you. That means you need to establish a partnership with them in order to achieve your goals.
DISCLAIMER: The information presented here is purely for informational purposes and should not take the place of assessment and treatment by a qualified health care professional. The thoughts, words and opinions expressed are the author’s and his alone, and not those of his employer.