Getting the most from a Doctor Appointment
Too often, we have an appointment to see our physician, and when we leave, we suddenly remember the questions we forgot to ask. Perhaps we forgot to ask for a refill of prescriptions or inquired about medical tests that we think are due but weren’t discussed.
There are different studies out, but on average, doctors interrupt the patient after 12 seconds. Think about that, you barely have time to tell them why you are there, and the doctor has hijacked the visit.
How do we take charge of the visit and take care of ourselves? Let your physician know why you are there and prepare your goals for your visit. Think about why you are going to the appointment, and write down the reasons for your visit. Include your symptoms, when they started, and if and how they affect your quality of life. If necessary, look online at reputable sites to get some information about your particular problem to understand it better and be familiar with the medical terminology.
And think about what you want out of the visit. For example, if you are concerned about your blood pressure, buy a blood pressure cuff, take your blood pressure a couple of times a day, and keep track of it. Write down the time and what you are doing when you take it; also, if you are on blood pressure medication, how long after you take the pill is the reading? If you have headaches, keep track of when you have one, what you were doing, what you took medication-wise, and if it helped.
Suppose your doctor interrupts you, gently and kindly bring them back to why you are there. If you feel rushed, say, “I have a few things that I am concerned about, and it seems as if you may not have the time to address them today. May I tell you my biggest concern, and perhaps we can handle any other issues on the telephone, or I can come back in.”
During your visit, if you don’t understand something or can’t hear what they are saying (it is hard to hear when they are wearing a mask, or perhaps they have an accent), ask them to repeat it. And if still unsure, repeat it back to the doctor for confirmation. And ask for notes or recommendations in writing.
In addition to your goals, be prepared for the visit with a list of all of your medications, including over-the-counter and prescription. Include the doctor who prescribes them and how you take them. You should also have the phone number and address of the pharmacy that you use and a list of all of your physicians, i.e., cardiologist, eye doctor, dentist, and when you last saw them and for what. Unfortunately, our physicians usually don’t communicate with each other. It is up to us to ensure that they know what the other is doing so there are no contradictions for your treatments.
Take notes! If you can’t read your handwriting (I can’t read mine), use a tablet or phone. And before you leave, review the plan. Be sure you understand it. After all, it is your health, and nobody cares more than you.
As we get older and our health conditions become more complicated, you may want to consider hiring a patient advocate. They can help you prepare for your visit, optimize your time with your physician, and be sure all your physicians are communicating.