Most medical practitioners have an extremely busy schedule and are hard-pressed for time. As of late, they seem to have shorter appointment slots and more patients which largely affects the quality of the doctor-patient interaction. If you’ve made an appointment with your doctor to discuss a health concern, your few minutes with them can be made more productive and worth your money by following these steps.
1. Write Down Every Question You Have Before The Appointment
Before the appointment, ensure that you write down all the questions that you want clarified. In the exam room, the environment may feel hurried and you don’t want have to make another appointment just because you forgot to ask something. It may help to list out follow up questions so that you won’t have to think of them while in the exam room. Make sure you get all your questions answered before you leave.
2. Make A Note Of Relevant Information And Symptoms
List out all the symptoms you have been experiencing and then rank them in the order of what troubles you the most. Try and be as specific as you can about the symptoms. For example, ask yourself when they started, how long you’ve been experiencing them, and if they feel like they’re getting better or worse. Noting down other possibly relevant information like how well you’ve been sleeping, change in your energy levels or mood, and change in stress levels might be helpful as well. This will help the make the information crisp and clear during the exam and reduces the likelihood of something being left out.
3. Make A List Of All The Medications And Supplements You’re On
It is advisable to make a list of all the medications and supplements that you’re on including the dosage and how long you’ve been taking them. Presenting this list to your medical examiner can help them check if there are any changes to be made. It is even possible that some of the medication you’re on doesn’t go along with others which could be the cause of your problem in the first place. It is therefore always recommended that you get your doctor to check your medication once again.
4. Carry A Copy Of Your Past Medical Records
Don’t forget to carry a copy of your medical history along with you before you leave for your appointment. It is vital that your doctor knows about any past surgeries or medical procedures and illnesses that you may have had.
5. Take An Audio Recording Of The Entire Session
While receiving a ton of new information, it is very easy to miss out on something. Therefore ask your doctor if you can make an audio recording of the session. Once you’re home, you can listen to it to ensure you’ve understood everything.
6. Ask For A Copy Of Your Prescription And Lab Results
Don’t forget to ask for a copy of your prescription and lab or scan results for your own personal medical file. In the event you need to see a new doctor, keeping all these files handy will make it easier for both parties. Arranging these files chronologically may also help you see if there is any developing pattern.
7. Take A Friend Along With You
In the case of non-severe concerns, it may not be necessary to have any company during the medical exam. But in the event your health concern is more complicated and requires a lot of follow-up, it may be helpful to have someone you can rely on to tag along with you. This gives you the opportunity to discuss the information you’ve received after the appointment.
