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Getting the Most from Office Visits
 Do you ever leave your doctor’s office with unanswered questions,
unaddressed medical problems, expensive prescriptions and follow-up appointments that do
not fit into your busy schedule?
Patients are most unhappy with their doctor’s visit when they feel
that their doctor did not listen to them and they did not understand what he/she said.
This is caused by rushed doctors and reticent patients. A recent study
stated that 90 percent of physicians believed that serious health problems could be
averted if patients and doctors talked more. Many patients are intimated, scared of bad
news and treatment options and some are embarrassed to be open and honest with their
doctors. Below are tips on preparing for your doctor’s visit and how to talk with
your doctor once you are in the office (topics: Preparation
for Your Doctor's Visit, In the Examining Room,
Before You Leave).
Preparation for Your Doctor's Visit
- Write a detailed overview. Included the answers to these 6 questions:
When did the problem first begin? Where is the problem located? If
it’s headache-is the pain near the temples or in the back of your head? How do you
feel? How often to you experience the problem, how long does it last. What brings on the
problem and what relieves it and what doesn’t? An example is: stress brings on the
headache and aspirin seems to help. Why do you think you are having this problem? High
blood pressure runs in your family, could this could be the reason for the headaches.
- Call for an appointment-tell the staff why you are making the
appointment. This can help them schedule the proper amount of time.
- Schedule a prime time slot. To reduce your waiting time, schedule the
appointment for first thing in the morning or the first appointment after lunch.
- Dress for success. People who dress up actually receive more respect and
more attentive care.
- Bring your "tool" — your written overview, your insurance
information , some paper and pen to write things down and money for parking.
- Think twice about taking a friend or family member with you. Rely on your
pen and paper if you feel you may forget something the doctors says. Doctors may not think
you will be open and honest with a friend or family member present. There are times when
having a family member or even a tape recorder would be handy. This is usually when
complex follow-up treatment is required.
In the Examining Room
- Outline your concerns: "I have three things I want to talk with you
about today. I am having headaches, fatigue and I need to get my blood pressure
prescription refilled."
- Expect respect-many doctors call patients by their first names to
establish rapport. Yet few patient call their doctors by their first names. If this name
inequality leaves you feeling disrespected, calmly state your preference: "Doctor, I
would prefer if you would call me Mrs. Anderson."
- Speak Up. Speak up if the doctor says something you do not understand.
Say " I didn’t understand that, could you explain it another way?"
- Practice the art of tactful interruption. If you feel you doctor
isn’t listening to your concerns be ready to break in, gracefully. Say, "Dr.
Jones, I don’t think you realize how worried I am about these headaches." What
do you think the cause is? Be direct but not accusatory. Save
non-medical complaints for last.
- Doctors do want to know if had a long waiting room delay, an experience
with non-attentive office staff, or parking or billing problems. Raise these issues at the
end of your visit. If you bring them up sooner, it will take time away from your health
concerns.
Before You Leave
At the end of the visit, if your doctor gives you a prescription
don’t just say thank you and leave. Be honest. If a prescription sounds unnecessary,
too expensive or one that you can’t take 4 times a day because of your schedule, say
so. There are alternatives.
Then ask these questions:
- Why am I taking this?
- How will I know it’s working?
- What are the side effects?
- Are other treatments available?
- How long should I take this and will the need for treatment be checked
from time to time?
If your doctor schedules tests, find out how soon you will get the
results. Ask the doctor or staff to call whether the results are normal or reveal a
problem. If your treatment includes a hospital procedure, see "Tips and Questions on Scheduling
Surgery. "
Always find out what things you can do at home to help control and
improve your condition. There is rarely a problem that is not helped by nutritious foods,
exercising and practicing stress reduction.
If you and your doctor talk more, you’ll be healthier.
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