EFFECTIVE HEALTHCARE INVOLVES a reciprocal relationship—a certain degree of give and take—between patient and provider. The more patients prepare for medical appointments and the more forthcoming they are with information pertinent to their health concerns, the easier it is for providers to arrive at proper diagnoses and to develop appropriate treatment plans.
Here are some hints that will help people play a more active role in their healthcare and make the most of their doctor visits:
A good experience starts with scheduling
Scheduling a healthcare visit isn’t simply a matter of getting your name on a waiting list. It’s also vital to give the office staff a good sense of why you need to be seen. What difference does it make? Knowing the purpose of your appointment helps the staff determine how much time to book in the provider’s schedule, which ensures that your health problem or concern will get the attention it deserves.
Avoid medical form frustration
No one enjoys filling out that inevitable stack of forms while waiting to see the doctor for an initial visit. And let’s face it, a crowded waiting room is hardly a conducive environment for recalling all the relevant details of your medical history—especially when you’re dealing with the discomfort associated with a medical ailment.
The good news is, filling out those forms doesn’t have to be a source of aggravation if you come to the appointment prepared. Bring a list of your current and past medical problems, past surgeries, any medications you’re taking (as well as any vitamins and over-the-counter or herbal remedies) and their doses, the name of your pharmacy, allergies and reactions, and names of your other providers.
Better yet, if your healthcare provider posts the forms online, complete them at home where you can address the questions at your leisure, and then bring them with you to the initial visit. Also, be sure to bring a photo ID and your current insurance card with you to the appointment.
Describe your problem thoroughly
The more detailed patients are in providing information about their medical issues, the more likely their doctor will be able to help them find relief. When discussing your problem with a doctor, don’t limit the description to a general symptom. To the best of your ability, try to describe the exact location of the symptom, what the symptom feels like, how severe the symptom is, how long it usually lasts, when the symptom usually occurs, the context in which the symptom occurs or any factors that appear to trigger it, any factors that seem to make the symptom better or worse, and any other symptoms associated with the primary one. It is also important to tell your doctor about any prior experience with a similar problem or past treatment for it, even if the treatment was ineffective.
What about broaching certain embarrassing health issues—those related to more intimate parts of the body, private behavior, or lifestyle factors? While it’s true that embarrassment can be a powerful deterrent to discussing certain issues with your physician, keep in mind that avoiding that conversation might just prevent you from receiving the treatment or screenings you need.
Take notes and ask questions
Bringing a notepad to a healthcare visit can help ensure that you have a solid understanding of your diagnosis and your provider’s instructions before leaving the office. Not only will this simple tool allow you to jot down ahead of time any questions that you might have, but you can also use it to write down any important information related to your diagnosis and treatment plan that is shared during the appointment.
Also, don’t let any questions you might have about your diagnosis or course of treatment go unanswered. If you are unsure about either, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor to provide further explanation or, if you’re discussing a more complex medical issue or treatment, to phrase terminology in layman’s terms. If you find there isn’t enough time to get all your questions answered satisfactorily in a single appointment, you can always schedule another office visit.
Find a physician that suits you
Every patient has a different expectation of the doctor-patient relationship. Some are more concerned with results than bedside manner, while others may want someone more attuned to their emotions who will slow down and take the time to listen. When patients and their providers are out of sync, miscommunication and lack of patient compliance often result, possibly leading to poor health outcomes, so it’s important to find a physician who is compatible with your personality and “on the same page” with your health goals. ✲
