How to Get the Most Out of Your Visit to Your Doctor

Doctors are busy, and if you are not well-prepared with the questions you want to ask to your Doctor, you might go back home from the Doctor’s office with this typical “darn – I forgot to ask my Doctor about it!” sentence.

Here is a great knol written by Jennifer Frank, a Family Physician, offering you 10 practical steps to prepare yourself for your doctor visit – You simply don’t want to wait for an hour just to learn that you forget to ask the all-important questions.

10 Steps to making the most out of your doctor’s Visit

1. Identify your Agenda: make sure that everyone from the receptionist to the nurse to the doctor knows what is on your agenda.
2. Make a List: Write down the top 3 things you want to discuss plus any others (if there is extra time).
3. Ask for the Time you Need: Make sure to let the receptionist know everything you want to discuss at the visit.
4. Be Honest: There is nothing we haven’t heard as doctors. And I do mean, nothing. So, feel free to spill all the gory details about whatever it is that is concerning you.
5. Be Patient: Usually it will take some time for the doctor to make a diagnosis (maybe after getting a lab, xray, or other test) and to formulate a treatment plan.
6. Be Nice to the Office Staff: I am amazed sometimes to find out that a patient who was perfectly nice to me was yelling at my receptionist just minutes before.
7. Make Sure You Understand: It recommends that patients ask (and write down the answers to) 3 questions:What is my main problem? What do I need to do? Why is it important for me to do this?
8. Tell the Doctor about Barriers: If you can’t read or can’t read well (this is actually very common), let your doctor know. If you can’t afford your medication, let your doctor know. If you are not willing to engage in lifestyle change (losing weight, quitting smoking, etc), let your doctor know.
9. Follow Up as Directed: If your doctor asks you to come back in 3 months to get that little spot on your arm checked, make sure to do it.
10. Be the Coach: Make sure that you act as the coach. Get input from and advice from your doctor, but take an active role in managing your health care.

For more details, please visit the knol.