Participating in your health care is a great way to get the best possible care from your doctor. You can make the most of your office visit by planning and creating an agenda with your doctor. You and your doctor will both be more productive if you plan. These are helpful tips to help you prepare for your appointment with your doctor. These tips will help you and your doctor to work together to improve the health of your body.
The path to better health
You will usually only be able to spend about 15 minutes with your doctor. You can make the most of your visit by planning. Consider your concerns and ask questions. These things should be written down before you go. You can make a list of these things and bring it with you to your appointment. A list will make it easier to remember everything you need to say to your doctor. These are some things to consider before you go.
Consider the questions and concerns you might have for your family physician. These concerns and questions should be written down. Begin with the most important and work your way down. Bring your list with you to your appointment. If necessary, be prepared to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
To help your doctor understand your medical history, you should bring as much information as possible if you are a new patient. You don’t need to get any information that has changed or is unique to you if you are a regular patient.
Keep track of your health history. A “health journal” can be created on paper or a computer. You can keep a health journal that includes information such as your health history, recent symptoms, blood pressure numbers, and food intake. You can bring your journal or health history with you to your appointments.
All X-rays, test results, and medical records that you have are essential. Your doctor can view these to provide more information about your health.
List all medications you use. You should include information about how often and when you take medicine. You should also note the strength of your treatment. For example, 150 mg or 200mg? Include any vitamins and supplements that you take in the list.
Talk to family members about inviting them to attend your appointment. They will listen, take notes and answer questions.
Call your doctor’s office if you need an interpreter to help you at your appointment.
Talk to your doctor.
These steps will help you have a productive conversation with your doctor.
Go over your lists.
It’s okay, to be honest about any fears or embarrassing situations at the beginning of your appointment. Your doctor will have plenty of time to discuss them with you. Your doctor has already heard it all and is ready to assist you.
Tell your doctor about all current or past health concerns. Even if it’s embarrassing, you must share all your information. During the exam, give the following information to your doctor:
Your symptoms.
Information about you. Inform your doctor if you feel stressed or your life is changing.
All medicines and supplements are included.
Side effects that you may experience from your medication(s). Tell your doctor immediately if your medication makes you feel sick or causes you to become allergic. Let them know if your payment needs to be made. Your family doctor can help you find other medicines or explain why you’re taking the one you currently have.
Ask questions.
Do not be afraid to raise concerns during your appointment. If you need clarification on something, it is essential to tell your doctor. Your doctor will assume you know everything if you don’t ask any questions. Here are some ways to ask your doctor questions.
Ask whenever you don’t get it.
Ask your doctor to explain the information more if you still need it.
These are some great questions to ask your doctor as a starter question:
What do my symptoms signify?
Do I need to be tested for a condition or disease?
This is the cause of this condition.
What is the severity of the condition?
What is the best way to treat it?
Is there any side effect to the treatment?
What is the treatment time?
What will my future look like if I have this condition?
You can always make a plan if you need more time to answer your remaining questions.
If you feel that you need more time, tell your doctor. Talk to an assistant or nurse if the doctor is not available. Seek another person to answer your questions if they are not available.
Bring the information with you.
It can be beneficial to bring written or recorded information with you. This can make remembering important information and instructions easier whenever you need them. Trust your doctor for accurate and reliable information. These are some types of information that you can take with you when you go home:
You may have made notes during your appointment. You can take notes during the meeting. It is sometimes helpful to have a friend or relative with you. They can assist you in writing down your questions and any other information that was shared with you by the nurse or doctor. Your doctor can also write notes for you.
Written instructions from your doctor
Tape recording. To help you remember everything, ask your doctor.
Brochures and other educational materials. Ask where and how to get them if they aren’t available.
Things to Consider
Follow any instructions your doctor gave you during the visit. These could include scheduling an appointment with a specialist, taking medicine, or preparing for a test. It’s OK to call your doctor if you are unsure or have forgotten something. These are the most common reasons to contact your doctor following an appointment:
If you have questions, please let the doctor know. Leave a message for the doctor or talk to a nurse.
If you feel sick or are having trouble taking your medication, consult your doctor immediately.
If you have had tests but have yet to get the results.
