Consulting a doctor can be intimidating for a lot of people - piles of paperwork, confusing insurance information and long waiting times can make for a very stressful experience. Imagine how much more confusing such visits can be for those who are elderly or who don't have family members to help them navigate the maze of healthcare options available!
Fortunately, there are ways to make each visit to the doctor more productive. This article has been broken down into two sections based on whether the doctor visit is a first time experience or an on-going situation.
Consulting a New Doctor
When a new patient sees a doctor for the first time, he or she may have lots of questions. However, remembering what to ask and when in the short period of time that doctor's allot for each patient can be a challenge. Here are some tips to overcome this challenge:
- Fill out initial paperwork ahead of time whenever possible so that the actual visit can focus on receiving answers to questions
- Write down a list of questions and be sure to bring this list to the appointment
- If memory is an issue, write down answers to questions or ask a loved one to come to the appointment too, so that he or she can listen to and remember what was said
- Before the doctor exits the room, re-state the main points of what was said and/or decided (e.g. if an MRI referral and then a follow-up appointment were suggested, then simply say "Doctor, the next step here is to get an MRI and then come back for a follow-up visit, correct?"
- If all questions were not answered satisfactorily or new concerns arose and the appointment is running long, ask the doctor if he or she will find out the answers to the questions and do a phone consultation to further discuss these questions at another time
Return Visits to the Doctor
Once a patient finds a doctor that he or she trusts, it is typical depending on the patient's condition to receive on-going or routine care from that provider. In this situation, appointments tend to be even shorter unless a new condition or sudden exacerbation of an existing condition arises, so here are some helpful tips to be sure that the visit goes smoothly with no unanswered questions:
- When making a routine visit such as a physical, be sure that the office has all pertinent current and updated information on file, such as full name, address, phone numbers and insurance information - this can save time at the actual appointment
- Write down any questions for the doctor and bring this list to the visit
- If questions are too complex or require further research, ask to set up a phone or in-person consultation with the doctor at another time
- Once a relationship has been established with the office, be sure to find out the name of the receptionist and other front office staff so that your appointment requests and other matters are handled by someone you feel you know and can trust (and they are more likely to go out of their way to help you should questions arise)
In summary, doctor visits do not have to be frustrating experiences when a person knows how to get his or her questions answered in a complete and timely manner. Following the tips above can ensure patients a more pleasant experience in their doctor's office.
Kristin Colangelo - I have a strong background in science - specifically zoology, human biology and chiropractic. I owned and operated a family ...
