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Getting The Most Out Of Your Physician Visit
Submitted by Dr. Taylor Prewitt, Ft. Smith
- Arrive on time. Don’t schedule two different doctor appointments too closely together; this attempt at efficiency doesn’t always work.
- Be nice to everybody: the receptionist, the nurse, and finally the doctor. If you have some things to fuss about, save them for the doctor and discuss them in a polite way. “A spoonful of sugar. . .”
- Make notes, if necessary, to remind yourself of things you want to tell and ask about. You may find it helpful to rehearse the main points you want to make.
- Ask if a friend or family member may join you, especially for the conclusion of the visit, if you think it would help.
- Your doctor may ask you if you’d like to keep your own record of such things as home blood pressure readings or blood sugar readings. If you can keep good records, it will provide better information for the doctor.
- Know exactly what medicines you are taking, what the doses are, and what the possible side effects are. It’s usually a good idea to bring all your medicines with you when you see the doctor. The doctor and/or the nurse often record these on every visit.
- Give an accurate account of such things as: how often you may miss taking your medications; how much you eat; how much caffeine, alcohol, or tobacco you use; how much exercise you get; how much sleep you get. If you’re accurate with this, you can tell the doctor that he doesn’t have to use a “fudge factor” in assessing your response.
- Try hard to concentrate on the conversation with the doctor. This is difficult, for a number of reasons; but if you miss something or don’t understand, interrupt and ask for repetition or clarification.
- Try repeating the key points to the doctor; if you can recite it, you can probably remember it.
- When you receive instructions or a prescription, be sure you understand it all. The doctor may be in a bit of a hurry as the visit concludes. If you need more time, ask if you can review things with his nurse. There may be some printed handouts.
- (Try to develop a good relationship with the office nurse; she can be very helpful.)
- If the return appointment seems too far away or too soon, say so. The doctor wants the return time to be appropriate for both of you.
- Remember that not all doctors and nurses have the same skills in communication. That’s just the way it is. It’s in your interest to facilitate this interaction as much as you can.
- After the visit, review it in your mind; you may elect to write notes
or keep a journal; it helps to have someone with whom you can discuss
it.
HOLY HEALTHY BLOG
Our goal is to provide new and relevant articles submitted by health professionals and clergy on a regular basis. Check this area for new postings!
NOVEMBER 2007
Dr. Taylor Prewitt, Ft. Smith:
"Getting The Most Out Of Your Physician
Visit"
DECEMBER 2007
Cynthia Pasman Jackson, MSN, RN, FCN:
"Creating a Healthy Holiday Heart"
APRIL 2008
Cynthia Pasman Jackson,
MSN, RN, FCN:
"Medication Safety"