As family medicine
physicians, we know going to the doctor can be nerve-wracking. Some may even
find it intimidating or confusing — but it doesn’t have to be this way. With a
little preparation and open communication, you can leave the visit feeling confident
about your health and future.
Next
time you see your doctor, keep these tips in mind to help you make the most of
your visit.
Be prepared
Being
prepared and organized for your visit to the doctor is imperative. Bring a
paper and pencil and jot down the items you would like addressed during your
visit. The doctor may not be able to get to all of them in one visit, but at
least prioritize your top three concerns.
Know
your medical history. Providing accurate information regarding your personal
medical history is a necessity to accurately diagnose and appropriately treat
any condition.
If your
symptoms are complex or involve multiple areas of the body, make a list in
chronological order detailing when they occurred. Keeping a diary of symptoms
is always helpful. Try to describe the symptom. For example, if you feel pain,
describe whether it is burning, achy, stabbing or dull pain. Did something
trigger your symptoms? How often and how long do they occur? What seems to make
the symptoms better or worse?
Yes, it
is okay to do your own research to better understand your symptoms, but remember,
you should only trust the advice of a trained medical professional.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Don’t
be afraid to get involved in the decision-making process with your doctor. Let
your doctor know how involved you want to be — do you want to know about every
lab test and imaging study available, or do you want just general information
regarding a certain condition?
All
questions are good questions!
Ask for
clarification if you don’t understand a diagnosis, treatment plan, lab result,
etc. Ask about treatment goals, side effects of medications and why a certain
lab test or imaging study is being ordered.
We
never want a patient to leave our office and not know what the next steps are
in their plan of care. If you don’t understand the medical jargon for a certain
condition, ask if the doctor can explain it in simpler terms. If you still have
questions at the end of your visit, ask if there are other personnel in the
office that can address your concerns. An additional appointment may be
necessary.
Maximize your time
Your
doctor likely has limited time in his or her schedule to spend with you. It’s
important that you come prepared to make the most of your visit!
Know
what type of appointment you are being seen for: Is this a well-check,
preventive visit or an acute sick visit? Do you want to discuss a diagnosis
and/or treatment plan? Or are you looking for reassurance or help with
depression, anxiety or fatigue?
Whatever
the reason for your visit, think ahead. Come prepared with a list to help you
remember what questions you want to ask the doctor. These questions may differ
based on whether you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment, or are there only
for a well-check, so it’s important to think through your questions beforehand.
Write
down what you learned from your visit, or bring a caregiver or advocate to help
you during your visit.
Write
down what you learned from your visit, or bring a caregiver or advocate to help
you during your visit. Lastly, know what the next steps are in your plan of
care so you and your doctor are on the same page when you leave the office.
Don’t be embarrassed
It is
important to discuss sensitive topics with your doctor, even if you’re
embarrassed or uncomfortable bringing them up during your visit. Some of these
topics include: memory problems, depression, anxiety, alcohol or drug abuse,
HIV/AIDS, sexuality, sexual function and fears of falling or having had
multiple falls.
Do not
assume something is “normal.” If you’re concerned, speak up! Just remember:
·
Your doctor has seen it before.
·
Your doctor is there to help you, not judge you.
Let
your doctor know this is a difficult topic for you to discuss. Your doctor is
most concerned with keeping you healthy, but it’s on you to bring up your
health worries so he or she knows how to best help you. Not telling your doctor
about a sensitive topic may actually lead to more serious health concerns down
the road. For example, not receiving treatment for a sexually transmitted
infection (STI) can lead to infertility.
Be
honest in everything you tell your doctor. It’s their job to keep you healthy,
but it’s your job to talk openly about your symptoms and worries. Together, the
two of you can team up to keep you healthy!
Find a
physician near you, or call 1.844.BSW.DOCS to schedule an
appointment.
Authored by
Megan C. DeLiberato, DO
Megan C. DeLiberato,
DO, is a family medicine physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Austin Southwest.
She earned her doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. She completed her residency in family
medicine at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton,
PA. Book an appointmentwith Dr. DeLiberato today. View
all posts by Megan C. DeLiberato, DO
Also Authored by
Samuel A. DeLiberato, DO
Samuel A. DeLiberato, DO, is a family medicine
physician on the medical staff at Baylor Scott & White Clinic – Austin Circle C.
He earned his doctor of osteopathic medicine degree from Lake Erie College of
Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA. He completed his residency in family medicine
at The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education in Scranton, PA. Book an appointment with Dr. DeLiberato today.
View
all posts by Samuel A. DeLiberato, DO
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