Preparing for Medical Appointments
Be Prepared for Your Next Doctor’s Appointment: Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit
Have you ever left a medical appointment realizing you forgot to ask that one important, burning question? Or find yourself freezing the minute you sit down on the exam table, forgetting why you even came to the doctor? It’s important to come prepared for patients to accomplish what they want to achieve from their visit. Thankfully, preparing for your next doctor’s appointment isn’t difficult, and can become an easy habit. Below are a few tips to get you started.
Decide what questions are the most important. Before your visit, pick one or two main questions or concerns that you want to make sure are addressed during your appointment. The medical office staff member who schedules you will likely ask what the reason for your visit is when you make the appointment. Patients can help ensure the visit stays on track by restating their top medical concerns to the clinician at the beginning of the visit, to ensure that they will be covered.
Stay focused. To optimize your time with your clinician, remain focused on the reason for your visit. Patients should go into an appointment understanding that their time with the clinician is limited. When describing symptoms or what prompted the appointment, keep it direct and specific. Try to avoid going off on tangents, unless your clinician identifies a new matter they think requires attention.
Be honest. We can all be tempted to say what we think people want to hear. Talking with your medical professional can be no different. Patients may be inclined to say that they smoke less, eat better or exercise more than they actually do. However, being truthful with your doctor is absolutely vital. When your clinician has accurate information, they are better able to suggest the best treatment options for you.
Share your thoughts. A patient should never feel rushed or afraid to speak up during their appointment, regardless of time constraints. If you know that there are quite a few items that you would like to discuss, let the practice know ahead of time so they can schedule a more complex visit and allow more time. You may also consider returning for a second visit to continue the conversation or follow up for more information via the patient portal, if your practice provides one. Your clinician wants to deliver the best care possible and will be able to work with you to address all your questions and concerns.
Write it down. If you develop new symptoms that you want to talk with your clinician about, consider keeping notes. You may want to include details to ensure you are able to answer questions like:
- When did your symptoms begin?
- What were you doing at the onset of your symptoms?
- How long have you noticed these symptoms?
- Does anything make your symptoms worse?
- What impact is it having on your day-to-day life?
You may also want to keep track of your vital signs, such as your blood pressure or temperature while your symptoms continue. You should also make sure to share your family’s health history, so that your doctor can get a more complete picture of your health.
The Bottom Line
It is in your best interest to come prepared to your doctor’s appointment. This allows your clinician to take the best care of you and helps ensure that you walk away from your visit feeling confident. Successful medical appointments start well before you sit down on the exam table – all it takes is a little time and preparation.