Making the Most of a Doctor's Office Visit

A doctor's office visit is not always a tension-free experience. Most people understand that doctors are busy and from a look around an office waiting room it's clear that each patient there has his or her own set of concerns and expectations, and that the doctor somehow must address each person's needs. This situation often results in fast information gathering and a short time for that anticipated visit. You may leave the office with as many questions as you had coming in. Time is of the essence. Make the most of it by partnering in your own care.

Partnering in your own care means that you focus on working with your health care provider and have a very good understanding of your treatment plan because you are knowledgeable about your health status and you participate in making your plan.

To prepare, think first about yourself and what you know about your health, lifestyle, medications and treatments. Begin preparing questions about your health care. Make a list and be ready to tell your doctor about what has changed or any new symptoms that have begun since the last visit. Be honest; you're the only one who knows how you really feel. If you're taking over-the-counter drugs or herbal products or have other issues like depression or anxiety, be sure to share this information with your doctor. Ask questions until you understand. If your doctor suggests a test or a change in your treatment, ask why it's necessary and what the results will tell you. If you're uncomfortable with medications or your treatment plan don't be afraid to say it. Educate yourself about your condition through libraries and disease organizations like the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Newspapers and radio or television programs frequently feature health stories. Watch and listen to pertinent ones. Although most reports are accurate, some are not, or may not be specific to your needs. They do raise issues that may prompt questions. If it's not in your nature to ask questions of your caregiver, bring someone along who can do that for you.

A doctor's office visit is an opportunity to address wellness as well as to be treated for illness. Seniors especially should use the doctor's visit as an opportunity to ask about Medicare preventive services like:

Screening mammography, pap smears and pelvic exams.
Colorectal cancer screening.
Prostate cancer screening.
Diabetes monitoring.
Bone mass testing.
Immunizations for flu and pneumonia.

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor if you think you should have one of the above tests or procedures. It's helpful to keep your own record of screening tests like mammography, colonoscopy, immunizations, cholesterol checks, eye exams and others. Keep a record of your medicines, what they're for and when you started or stopped taking them. Use the visit to bring up other health maintenance issues like exercise, diet and nutrition. Let someone close to you know the name of your doctor, your medical conditions and any other information you feel comfortable sharing.

All of these tips may seem like a lot of work but are as helpful to the patient as they are to the doctor. Doctors don't mind being reminded. In most instances they welcome it.

Resources:

Pocket Guide to Staying Healthy at 50+, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Publications Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 1-800-358- 9295 or www.ahrq.gov
Medicare Coverage Benefits and Quality Information, prescription drug costs 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov
AARP-Information on Aging 1-800-424-3410 or www.aarp.org