Preparing for Your Next Doctor’s Visit
The average length of time your doctor is likely to visit with you at a regular check-up is about seven minutes. Physicians feel pressure to see more patients each hour of their day. To make the most of the time you have with your doctor you need to prepare before going in to see him/her. Here are a few suggestions to help you prepare for your next doctor’s appointment:
• Several days before the scheduled appointment, start to jot down questions or concerns that you have.
• Bring a current medication list or the actual bottles – include meds filled at all pharmacies and those ordered by all physicians. In addition, include any over-the-counter or “natural” supplements that you are taking.
• Keep a log of your medical history, including all operations and hospitalizations. Also, know the medical history of close family members, as physicians frequently ask about this.
• If you have a new physical complaint or symptom, be prepared to answer these questions: when did it begin, how often, how long, what relieves or worsens it?
• Inform your primary care physician if you have seen a new doctor, had any tests or visited the ER since your last visit.
• Be prepared to ask questions about health topics you may have heard about in the news that you think may pertain to you.
• Confirm how to contact your doctor between visits. Give feedback about office policies and interactions with office personnel.
• Before you leave, ask if you need to obtain a slip for blood work.
Being prepared for your doctor’s appointments will help you make the most of the time spent with your physician. Take the time before your visit to write down questions you have and information you want to share with the doctor. Also, take notes during your appointment to help you remember what was said and any next steps for you. Your doctor can help you if you help him/her by being prepared for your appointment.
LINDA AMORE, RN is the Director of Nursing for Home Care Solutions at Jewish Family Service.
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