When you're at the doctor's office, it's important to speak up to make sure all your health questions and concerns are addressed. Here's how to make the most of any medical office visit.
Tell your doctor what happened.
Start from the beginning and describe your symptoms, how you treated them, and what’s happened since. If the details are complicated, it helps to write down your account. It’s especially important to describe any medical treatment or tests you’ve had. If possible, bring copies of your records, including test results, from any previous doctors.
Be honest..
Your doctor needs to know everything, so don’t hold back because you’re embarrassed or afraid someone might find out. Your health information is private and protected by patient-doctor confidentiality.
Take notes and take your time.
Your doctor might overwhelm you with a lot of information, so don’t be shy about asking questions and writing things down. I usually end visits by asking my patients if they have any questions or if there’s anything else they’d like to discuss. If you feel that your doctor is rushing out the door, there’s often a nurse or medical assistant in the office who can answer routine questions. Sometimes patients phone my office with additional questions that they forgot to ask; our policy is to respond within a day or so. However, some situations may require a follow-up visit or further evaluation, so be prepared to go back to the doctor if necessary.
Start from the beginning and describe your symptoms, how you treated them, and what’s happened since. If the details are complicated, it helps to write down your account. It’s especially important to describe any medical treatment or tests you’ve had. If possible, bring copies of your records, including test results, from any previous doctors.
Be honest..
Your doctor needs to know everything, so don’t hold back because you’re embarrassed or afraid someone might find out. Your health information is private and protected by patient-doctor confidentiality.
Take notes and take your time.
Your doctor might overwhelm you with a lot of information, so don’t be shy about asking questions and writing things down. I usually end visits by asking my patients if they have any questions or if there’s anything else they’d like to discuss. If you feel that your doctor is rushing out the door, there’s often a nurse or medical assistant in the office who can answer routine questions. Sometimes patients phone my office with additional questions that they forgot to ask; our policy is to respond within a day or so. However, some situations may require a follow-up visit or further evaluation, so be prepared to go back to the doctor if necessary.
