Seeing Your Doctor? Make Every Minute Count
Your doctor’s visit: Make every minute count.
The average doctor’s visit only lasts 10 to 20 minutes. That doesn’t give you much time, so here are some helpful tips to make the most of your visit.
Before you go:
1. Make a list of any health concerns, from the most urgent to the least.
2. Make a list of any symptoms you’re experiencing. A symptom can be any of the following: pain, fever, a lump or growth, an unexplained change in weight, or trouble sleeping.
3. Ask yourself the following questions about any symptoms:
* When did they start?
* Are they constant? If not, when do I experience them? How long do they last?
* Does anything I do make them better? Worse?
* Do the symptoms affect my daily activities? Which ones? How?
4. Make a list of any medications you’re currently taking, with the contact information of the pharmacy you use.
5. Take a few minutes to write down any changes in your health since your last doctor’s visit.
6. If you are seeing a doctor for the first time, plan to bring your medical records from your previous doctor. You may even want to bring some notes on any medical conditions that run in your family or past health conditions you’ve dealt with and how they were treated.
7. If seeing a doctor makes you nervous, consider bringing a friend or family member to help you take notes or ask questions.
While you’re there:
1. Bring up your main health concern first.
2. Describe your symptoms clearly and concisely.
3. If you’ve had a similar concern in the past, tell the doctor about it, including how it was treated before.
4. Be open and honest with your doctor. Answer all questions truthfully. Your doctor can run tests and screenings, but your input is critical to an accurate diagnosis.
5. Be clear about how much information you want. If you need more detail about a diagnosis or procedure, don’t be afraid to ask. On the other hand, if you feel like you’re getting an unwanted anatomy lesson, speak up.
6. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to explain all treatment options. Your doctor can give you information, advice, and recommendations, but in the end, any treatment decision is up to you.
7. If your doctor asks you how you’re life is going, share any significant life events that have taken place since your last visit. (e.g. divorce, job loss, etc.)
After the visit:
1. Take a few minutes to write up a brief recap of the appointment, including any diagnoses, tests ordered, or treatment plans.
2. If follow-up care is necessary, make note of it.
3. Make a list of any self-care “homework” your doctor gave you.
4. Indulge yourself! A successful doctor’s visit can take a lot out of you.
Source:ezinearticles.com
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