NOTHING HAS BECOME MORE PARAMOUNT in today’s medical environment than time. Patients are waiting longer and longer, doctors are increasingly put “on the clock” for their services, and appointments, even when made months in advance, can run horribly afoul of their schedule.
As a physician, I don’t like waiting rooms any more than my patients do. I also don’t like walking away from my health provider without the plan of action I need to get better. So, as a patient, there are things we can do to make sure that we make the best of the valuable time both parties, patient and provider, are spending .
Focus on fundamentals
It is easy to think doctors are all things to all patients. This is not true. Most patients, especially as they get older, have multiple healthcare providers. It is important to focus on the reason for their visit and make the most of that time with the doctor.
Although we may have other health issues at the time of our visit, the first thing we need to do is stay on track with the reason for the initial appointment. Of course, if you are visiting your primary care doctor, that is a different matter. However, if you are visiting a specialist, focusing on that issue that brought you to their specialty will save time for both you and the doctor.
According to the National Institute on Aging (https://www.nia.nih.gov/ health/five-ways-get-most-out-yourdoctors- visit), the easiest way to keep a physician visit on track is to pick three to four questions that you want to discuss with your doctor for the scheduled time. Once those questions are answered, then you can move on to other issues as time permits. And don’t hesitate to write those questions down! Your doctor will appreciate your focus and interest in your own health.
Be honest with your doctor For many doctor visits, the physician provides a program of tasks that will help your health. These can include diet, lifestyle changes, medications, and general or therapeutic exercises. No matter our age, we’ve all been told what is good for our health by a healthcare practitioner.
Save yourself and your doctor time by being honest about your success with what they have asked you to do. If you are having trouble doing what they ask of you, come prepared to talk about your barriers to success. Ask for their help.
Healthcare providers are people too. As doctors, we are well aware how hard it can be to do what we ask. However, we want you to be successful! If you are honest with us, we will find ways to help.
What is next?
Doctors cannot always solve the problem during your visit. This is the biggest challenge and frustran tion for both patient and doctor. As physicians, we may need more or different tests, another opinion, or simply more time for a treatment plan to fully take effect.
The most important thing you can do is make sure you ask “what’s next?” If a test is ordered, who is to follow up with whom? Is another (or additional) appointment required? How long should you wait until a follow up is required?Whatconditionsorsymptoms require a more immediate response?
According to Physiciansfoundation. org (https://physiciansfoundation. org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/ physicians-survey-results-final-2018. pdf), the majority of physicians will see between 11 and 30 patients a day. As a physician, I want to value each patient I see. Your help and participation go a long way to assisting a healthcare provider with doing what they got into the profession for in the first place: helping clients live their healthiest, most fulfilling life.
Dr. Steven Bills is the owner of TeleMeMD (mytelehealthmd.com), an on-demand urgent care service. Dr. Bills was born, raised, and educated in Toledo, attending St. John’s Jesuit High School and the University of Toledo, and graduating in 1993 from the Medical College of Ohio. Dr. Bills completed Emergency Medicine Residency training at the joint St. Vincent/Mercy Medical Center and Toledo Hospital program. Since 1996, Dr. Bills has worked in the Northwest Ohio area in nearby emergency departments as well as being a flight physician on local area medical transport helicopters. ✲
