Make Your Next Doctor Visit More Effective and Satisfying
Have you ever left the doctor’s office and realized as you drove away that you forgot to ask a critical question or that you didn’t really understand what the doctor explained about your most recent medical test? You are most certainly not alone. As a physical therapist, I find that an important aspect of my job is helping my clients prepare for their doctor appointments and helping them synthesize information after an appointment. The better prepared you are going in, the less confusion there is afterwards.
Visiting the doctor is an essential part of maintaining good health and preventing potential medical issues. However, it’s not uncommon to feel rushed or uncertain during these visits, leading to a less effective and satisfying experience. By taking a proactive approach and preparing for your doctor visit, you can ensure that you make the most of your time and leave the appointment feeling confident and satisfied.
Get the Most from Your Visit
Prepare in advance
Write down a list of questions, concerns, and symptoms you want to discuss with your doctor. In the days or weeks approaching your doctor visit, jot things down as they come to mind. Make notes on your phone or keep a notebook and pen handy. Get others to help you with this list: family, caregivers, PT, OT, or Nurse. Having a written list will help you stay organized and ensure you don’t forget anything important during your visit.
Bring important information
If you have any medical records, test results, or a list of medications you’re currently taking, bring them with you or arrange to have them sent from other health care providers. This information can provide valuable insights to your doctor and help them make informed decisions about your health.
Communicate openly and honestly
It’s important to provide your doctor with accurate and complete information about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle, even if it feels uncomfortable or embarrassing. Clear and honest communication is key to effective diagnosis and treatment.
According to AARP’s article Lies We Tell Our Doctor, the common things we “lie” about include:
- Undercounting our cocktails
- Fudging about our exercise habits
- Pretending we take all our medications as directed
- Forgetting to mention supplements we take
- Omitting things from our health history
- Failing to mention cosmetic surgery
- Not mentioning recreational drug use (legal or otherwise)
- Avoiding discussing sexual history past and current, including abortion history
Remember, your doctor has heard it all before. But if this is still you, the article has a great suggestion:
“If you know what you should tell your doctor but can’t muster the courage to fess up verbally, write down the truth about what you’re doing or not doing and hand the paper to your doctor, or tell your doctor through the online patient portal.”
Ask questions and seek clarification
We all know how hard it is to get a hold of a doctor on the phone. If something is unclear or you need further explanation, ask those questions while you are at the appointment and have their full attention. it’s important to fully understand your condition, treatment options, and any potential side effects. You may have additional questions later after you have had time to synthesize the information and discuss it with family, but getting the initial understanding before you leave the office will decrease the frustrating back and forth over the phone or email.
Discuss your concerns and expectations
If you have specific concerns or expectations regarding your treatment, make sure to discuss them with your doctor. Whether it’s about managing pain, reducing medication, or exploring alternative therapies, sharing your preferences will help your doctor tailor the treatment plan to meet your needs more effectively.
Take notes or bring a companion
During the appointment, take notes or bringing a trusted companion to help you remember important details discussed. In the midst of a consultation, it is challenging to recall all the information provided. Having written notes or a supportive person can ensure you have a clear record of the visit and any post-visit instructions.
Follow up as needed
After your visit, make sure to follow the instructions and treatment plan provided by your doctor. This includes taking medications as prescribed, scheduling any follow-up appointments or tests, and making necessary lifestyle changes. If you need support in following through with the instructions, talk to your doctor and get appropriate referrals.
Advocate for yourself
If you feel that your concerns are not being adequately addressed or if you’re not satisfied with the explanations provided, don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion. If you feel that your concerns are consistently not being addressed then change doctors. It is critical that you have a trusting relationship with your doctor.
Remember, effective communication and collaboration between you and your doctor are key to a successful doctor visit. By being prepared, open, and proactive, you can make the most of your time with your healthcare provider and work together to achieve optimal health outcomes.
RESOURCES
Did you find this topic interesting? Below are some more in depth articles.
Lies We Tell Our Doctor – AARP
Tips for A Successful Doctor Visit – WebMD
Joanne Bedwell, PT is the Resident Blogger at Be Active Be Well. She lives and works in San Francisco with her husband and two (almost) grown daughters. Having over 25 years of experience as a PT, she sees clients in their homes and teaches fitness classes in person and virtually.
DISCLAIMER: This article contains information that is intended to help the readers be better informed regarding exercise and health care. It is presented as general advice on health care. Always consult your doctor for your individual needs. Before beginning any new exercise program it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician. This article is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health.
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