How to Make Your Doctor Visit Easier

Visits to your doctor or any healthcare provider can be frustrating and time consuming for all involved.  These are some things you can do to make it an easier and more productive.

One of the first things you want to do is make a written or typed medical history to take with you, especially if this is your first visit to a new doctor. Make a copy for you and your doctor. You both will be able to refer to it as needed. This will save valuable time, and give you and your doctor more time to talk instead of flipping through your medical record. It can be difficult trying to "remember" what test or procedure you had 10 years ago or even last year.

It is a good to make appointments when you are well and stable.  Keep a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about. Update the list before each visit. This way you will be able to keep track of what has been discussed, and what needs to be discussed. Try to talk about the most important things first especially those that need immediate attention. Each time you go for your visit, you can refer to your list and take up where you left off. Be sure to express your immediate concerns first. We all know how short a doctor visit can be.

Request copies of your medical records from all your doctors. "The medical record is the cornerstone of keeping track of everything pertaining to your health." This gives you a complete assessment of all your medical problems. You will be able to check the accuracy of your records, and bring any errors or absent information to your doctor's attention. Let your doctor know about anything you do not understand, or if there is something you are unable to read due to poor handwriting. It is surprising to see how many doctors are often unable to read their own writing.

Schedule your appointment for first available times in the morning or afternoon.*  This will likely ensure that you will be seen on time with a shorter wait time and longer visit.  It will help you and your doctor focus on your total health care versus acute, intermittent health concerns that can easily take up your whole time. Unless an emergency arises, the wait should be less than 15 minutes.  If there is an emergency you should be notified and given the option of waiting or rescheduling, or going elsewhere for treatment. 

The easiest thing you can do is be on time.  Best health!

*How to Make Your Doctor Appointment http://bit.ly/akMrpX

by J.L, Richardson, M.D., family medicine expert and author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, honorable mention of Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award** and Indie Excellence Award finalist.

(**Written by a reliable source, this book is the perfect quick reference for all of those squeamish people who hate going to the doctor. I am one of those people. I hate wondering why a certain test was performed, exactly what a common diagnosis may mean, what the proper specialist for my malady might be called, and negotiating the maze of health insurance forms and other paperwork that seems to accompany my ailment; thereby adding insult to injury. To avoid the mystery, misery, and tedium of the wellness process, I often remain sick in order to forego or delay much needed medical appointments. The author writes for people like me; she writes in a calming, professional tone and explains, in as simple and non-threatening a manner as possible, what I can expect along every step of the healing process. By learning to keep a medical diary, knowing what to expect of my medical staff as well as how to decode their complicated language, and then by understanding the basics of the complex American healthcare system, I can take charge of my own healthcare. This little book provides me with all the tools necessary to do just that. ~Writer's Digest)

Your Medical Information

One of the first things your doctors and healthcare providers want to know is why you made your appointment. Once you answer this question (hopefully before interruption) there will be questions about your general health and wellness, as well as more information about your reason for the visit. For specific concerns you may be asked:

• How long has this been going on?
• What have you done for it?
• Have you had it before?
• Where does it bother you?
• How often does it occur?
• What makes it better or worse?
• Are there any other symptoms?

You will be asked about how the other parts of the body are working, such as your eyes, ears, heart, breathing, and so on. This is called the “review of systems” (ROS). If there are any problems not related to your main problem, now is the time to let the doctor know.
This will be followed by your past medical history (PMH), which includes:

1. Diseases you have (high blood pressure, sugar diabetes, arthritis, cancer, depression,
   etc.), or have had that are better or gone (including childhood diseases such as
   measles, mumps, and inherited disease)
2. Operations and times you were in the hospital (including accidents)
3. Medication, including prescription, over-the counter (don’t forget about vitamins),
   natural (garlic, aloe), and herbal
4. Allergies and reactions to anything and what it did to you (for example: breaking out in a
   rash, swelling, itching, upset stomach, etc.)
5. Smoking, alcohol, drug use (how much, how often)
6. Shots (childhood, flu, last tetanus, etc.)
7. Sexual (active, using protection, number of partners, diseases)—in females this will also
   include menstrual period, pregnancy, last mammogram, and Pap test
8. Family history (conditions that run in family
   such as cancer, high blood pressure, etc.)
9. Social history—your job or jobs; family; marital status; living arrangement (house,
   apartment, alone, etc.); transportation (drive self, public transport, walk); ambulation
   (use walker, wheelchair); disability (deaf, blind, amputee, etc.); religion, ethnic customs, and traditions

If there is anything left out or that you feel the doctor should know, now is the time to speak up. It is sometimes hard to get someone’s full attention, so take advantage of it while you have it. Some doctors’ offices will have you fill out forms asking the above questions or will ask you the questions and fill out the form for you. This is not a substitute for the doctor’s personal interview and questions.

Writing or typing this information is a sure way to keep all of your PMH http://bit.ly/f8FZ55 . Make a copy for your doctor. While talking you both can refer to this vital source of health information.

Best health!