Seniors: Get More from Your Medical Appointments

OMAHA, Nebraska — Regular medical checkups are necessary for seniors to maintain healthy, active and independent lives. They are also opportunities for seniors to become informed members of their healthcare team. The keys to getting the most from medical appointments are to know which questions to ask and make sure not to leave the office unless you understand all the answers.

“Finding a physician to trust and establishing a good relationship with that doctor allows a senior to get the help they need,” said Allen Hager, founder of Right at Home. “Keeping the lines of communication open helps doctors stay current with changes in a senior’s overall health. This allows seniors to take advantage of the medical advances that can benefit them.”

According to Hager, some seniors may not feel comfortable speaking openly with their doctors. Seniors need to recognize, however, that their health is the highest priority. “My experience has been that some patients are intimidated by their doctor’s busy schedule or use of confusing terminology,” said Hager. “You have the right to fully understand your treatment and to have the doctor’s complete attention in the exam room.”

Hager recommends the following tips from the National Institute on Aging to help make the most of the limited time most patients have with their doctors and give them the confidence to build a relationship with their physicians:

• Make a list: Before any doctor’s visit, write down questions or concerns you have, and any updates or changes in your health. These questions can include tests you should be having, preventive measures you should be taking, symptoms that have developed since your last visit, and revisiting your current medication regimen.


• Consider bringing a trusted friend or caregiver: This person can help you remember what the doctor’s instructions and transport you to the appointment. More importantly, they will hear firsthand how medications need to be taken and how exercises should be performed.


• Share information: Be honest about your health and current lifestyle, and don’t be afraid to tell the doctor what is really going on. Carefully go down the list of questions you prepared at home and make sure you fully understand the answers before you move on.


• Get more information: Have your doctor give you written advice or instructions, and ask for any brochures, videos or other materials on any conditions or treatments that apply to you. Doctors don’t know everything, so if they can’t answer your questions, ask them to refer you to a specialist that does.