Tips For Your Doctor's Appointment
How to talk to your doctor about symptoms, medications, questions, and health concerns.
Make the most of your next doctor's appointment by being prepared to discuss your concerns, your symptoms, and your questions.
Pay Attention to What You Say
Think back to the last time you saw your doctor. When he entered the room, greeted you and asked, "how are you?" Was your immediate response, "fine, thank you?" Don't despair. We are all somewhat programmed to small talk this way. The problem is, you probably weren't fine and that's the reason you went to see the doctor.
The Doctor Hears...
The doctor heard "fine" and planned for a routine well person check-up. Unless you jump in and ammend your comment right away, you're likely to be rushed through a routine check-up and sent on your way without having addressed any of the reasons you made this appointment in the first place.
Doctor's time is limited and expensive. They are taught to being assessing from the moment they enter the room, and unless you have obvious physical signs of something, your "fine" comment sets in motion a routine plan.
Prepare Ahead of Time
- Before the doctor comes in, you need to concentrate on an answer that sets up an investigative visit. This should include your major symptoms such as, "I've had a pain in my right side for 4 days now. I have no appetite, I've had diarrhea for two days, and have had a fever off and on for 4 days." This answer tells the doctor she needs to ask more questions and examine you more extensively. You may not appear to be ill or in pain at all and none of your symptoms are obvious.
- Before your doctor's visit, prepare a list of symptoms pertaining to the reason for your visit. Write down any questions you want to ask. Also make a list of things you want to be sure to tell the doctor. Make a list of all the medications you routinely take as well as any OTC (over the counter) medications you have taken. These should include things you've taken to treat your symptoms such as aspirin, Tylenol, Immodium, Pepto Bismol, etc. If you have allergies, you should have a list of them as well. Organize your thoughts and your notes. This will help to make your appointment time effective.
- Take a notepad with you to jot down notes for yourself about the answers you get as well as any instructions the doctor gives you.
- The doctor should already have a list of prescription medications you take as well as any vitamins and other supplements. However, if you see several physicians, he may not have a complete list. Your lists may be unnecessary, but they will be time savers.
Be Sure You Understand All Instructions
- Make sure you have a clear understanding of any instructions the doctor gives you. The best way is to repeat back to the doctor what you think she told you. This way she can validate the fact that you understand it, or have an idea of what and why you don't.
- Sometimes the doctor may call in an assistant to explain the treatment or diagnostics to you. This might be a physician assistant, a nurse or nurse practitioner, or a medical assistant. Again, be sure you understand instructions.
- Ask questions, and find out who to call back to if you have questions or forget something once you get home.
