Getting the Most From A

Visit with Your Doctor

In the past, the doctor typically was thought to be an authoritarian figure, they gave directions and the patients would follow. Your relationship with your doctor, including how well you talk with each other, affects your care. A good relationship — where you and your doctor share information and work together to make the best decisions about your health — will result in the best care. You'll also feel more confident in your doctor and the quality of care you're getting.

 

When you schedule an appointment, ask how long it will be, just to be sure you get the time you need. If you have a lot of concerns, ask for a longer appointment, if that is not possible then try to focus on your most important concerns.

 

Here are some ways to make talking to your doctor more effective:

 

Be prepared

 

Doctors are busy people and their offices are often abuzz with activity, like ringing telephones and crowded waiting rooms. When you actually see your doctor, your visit probably won't last more than 15 minutes. The best way to make the most of your limited time is to come to your appointment prepared:

 

· Write down all the questions you have for the doctor in advance and bring a pen and paper to jot down answers and take notes.

 

· Make and bring a list of symptoms if you're not feeling well. You might want to research your condition at the library or on the Internet if you're visiting your doctor for a specific problem or illness. Learning some related medical terms and common treatments will make it easier to follow what the doctor is telling you. Start by searching sources such as www.webMD.com or www.familydoctor.org.

 

· Bring a list of all the medicines you take. Write down the doses and how often you take them. Include vitamins and other supplements.

 

· Arrive early enough to fill out forms.

 

· Have your insurance card ready and bring your medical records or have them sent in advance if you're seeing the doctor for the first time. Also bring your health care advance directive, which outlines instructions about your care if you become unable to speak for yourself. Go over it with your doctor so that your wishes are clear.

 

Bring Someone With You

 

Sometimes, people like to bring a friend or family member to a doctor appointment for moral support. A companion also could help you relax, remind you of questions you   forgot to ask, and help you remember what the doctor said. If you need personal time with the doctor, the person can sit in the waiting room. Having someone join you is   especially helpful if you feel too ill to get around easily on your own.