How to Make the Most of a Doctor’s Visit

In an age of managed care, healthcare consumers complain about the length and quality of their doctor visits. Here are eight ways to make sure your doctor’s visit is most effective in the shortest amount of time.

1.

Come prepared with your medication list and questions. At least once a morning in my office, a patient doesn't remember the names of their meds and tells me they take “a little white pill.” When I call the pharmacy to get the information, it takes away face-to-face time with the patient. In regards to questions, ask your doctor if they would prefer them at the start of the visit or after examining you. Don’t answer your cell phone or say “I just have to send one text.” If I come into an exam room and the patient's on the phone and quickly hangs up, I understand, as they’ve been in the room waiting for me. But, if a patient continues to talk and ignores my presence, it’s a different story. As much as patients want the courtesy of not waiting a long time to see the doctor, doctors want the same courtesy from patients.

2.

After you leave your doctor and get a diagnosis, you can then search the internet for more information. If you google your symptoms ahead of time, you’ll face unnecessary worry. Besides mentioning all the over-the-counter meds you take, note your vitamins and supplements since they may interfere with prescription meds. For example, some supplements and prescription meds increase bleeding time due to increased demand on the liver so they can present a problem when taken together. 

3.

After you leave your doctor and get a diagnosis, you can then search the internet for more information. If you google your symptoms ahead of time, you’ll face unnecessary worry.

4.

Besides mentioning all the over-the-counter meds you take, note your vitamins and supplements since they may interfere with prescription meds. For example, some supplements and prescription meds increase bleeding time due to increased demand on the liver so they can present a problem when taken together. 

5.

If your doctor mumbles or uses lingo you don't understand during your physical exam, stop and ask what they mean. For example, if your doctor hears a slight heart murmur, have them explain. It may mean nothing medically but, in case you need to see a doctor while traveling, you can say “I know about it and my doctor has told me it’s unchanged for years.”

6.

Feel free to talk about your mental health as well as your physical health. If you’re feeling depressed, eating too much or too little, or not sleeping well, your doctor is your best resource for advice or a referral for help. Discuss your social habits, smoking, drinking, drug use, etc. Exercise and nutrition should also be addressed. Your doctor can help you decide the best diet and fitness routine for you, so don’t be afraid to ask.

7.

An annual wellness exam at your doctor should include a discussion about preventative tests (pap smears, mammograms, how often to see a gynecologist, etc.). Talk about your current health and your future health. Lay out a health plan for the next year that makes the most sense for you and your doctor.

8.

Always remember that if you forgot to ask something, you can have a follow-up phone call or send an email (depending on your doctor) to clarify anything that’s been misunderstood or not explained clearly.