Many people wait weeks or months to get a medical appointment and yet walk in to the doctor’s office unprepared. I want to share a couple of tips for making the most out of your medical visits.
When making an appointment it likely will take time to get in. Always ask to be put on a “cancel/wait list” in case the office can bring you in sooner. As in many workplaces there is a shortage of doctors and medical staff right now.
When calling, confirm they take your insurance, and mention your concerns to determine the length of time needed for your appointment. Keep a list of current providers in your phone and record appointments in your phone or on a paper calendar so you know when and where you are going (many doctors have more than one location). Ask if a social worker or care coordinator is available as they often have resources and can help you with questions.
Prepare in advance. Note down your medical history and medications and bring that in. You can organize this in a folder. Paperwork from past visits can be helpful, along with a list of any surgeries and hospital stays. Track your symptoms that you are concerned about – when and where they occur, if there is a trigger, severity, etc. This will help your provider help you.
Most importantly write down your list of questions ahead of time, and put them in order of priority in case there is not time for all of them during your visit.
During the visit – bring your history, list of meds, symptom tracker and questions. The more honest you can be the better, and also be specific. Try to not be embarrassed, and remember that medical professionals have heard and seen it all!
Take notes or record the visit on your phone. Better yet if you can bring another set of eyes and ears with you, do that. Or you can have someone call or Facetime to be part of the visit, I do this for all my parents’ visits. You do not need to ask permission. This is your visit. Try to keep an open mind.
Ask for a visit summary as well as follow up steps. Make your next appointment before you leave the office. To avoid a long wait, schedule your appointment as the first visit of the day or right after lunch.
I will follow up next week with specific questions you might want to ask as well as how to better advocate for you or your loved one.
Reach out with any questions or for a free coaching session – I’d love to help.
