January 19, 2009

Making the most of your doctor’s visit
Brought to you by:  Weatherford Regional Medical Center

WEATHERFORD, TEXAS - Visiting the doctor can be an intimidating experience, whether your appointment is a routine check-up or more specialized. No matter how prepared you think you are, several factors can determine how you feel about the quality of your time with your doctor and the outcome of your visit: the reason for the visit, your doctor’s communication style, and the amount of time you spend in the waiting room before your visit, to name a few. Your health history and attitude toward your health can also influence your feelings about a doctor’s visit.
Most of us prepare for a doctor’s visit much the same way: checking with our health insurance company to determine coverage, co-payments and necessary referrals; making sure we have insurance cards in hand; and, if our visit is problem-focused, researching symptoms through discussions with friends and family or on the Internet. But there’s much more you can do to make sure your visit is a success.
It’s important to be prepared with questions – and not be afraid to ask those questions. Although communication styles vary, your physician is there to serve your interests and make sure that you are informed. Yet, your physician isn’t a mind reader; be prepared with any questions or concerns. Write them down so that you don’t forget them once you’re in the exam room.
Remember that you and your doctor are partners in your health care. Your preparation and participation are important determinants in how successful your visit will be.
Here are a few tips for guaranteeing that your next visit is informative and productive:
• Keep your own medical journal at home: a record of questions, a food and exercise diary, over-the-counter and prescription medications (including dosage) and herbal supplements, as well as symptoms, with descriptions and dates/times. Review this information while you’re in the waiting room so that it’s fresh on your mind.
• Bring blank paper to your visit to make notes during your appointment for later review.
• Have a friend or family member to accompany you on your visit. Often, they can remember details that you may not recall.
• If you anticipate that there may be a language barrier with your doctor, bring along someone who is proficient in medical terminology who can interpret for you.
• Bring any magazine articles that pertain to your health condition, if you would like to ask your doctor about similar cases and treatment options covered in the article.

• Ask the doctor what your exact diagnosis is, the recommended treatment plan, and when he/she would like to see you again (or if a visit to a specialist is needed). Don’t be intimidated by medical jargon. Ask your doctor to explain things to you in easy-to-understand terms and don’t be afraid to ask the doctor to repeat instructions or answers you don’t understand.
• Don’t be shy about discussing embarrassing or sensitive topics. Be sure to include complete details about your medical history.
• Ask the doctor if there is any reading material or other resources available that pertain to your question, condition, upcoming test or procedure.
• If you have a chronic condition or disease, ask about other resources in the area that are available to you: support groups, therapists, etc. How will this affect your daily life? What adjustments will you need to make? What are the possible long-term outcomes of this condition?
• Be sure to talk about next steps: symptoms that warrant a follow-up call to the doctor, when your symptoms will subside and you can expect to feel better; any recommended lifestyle, activity level or dietary changes; side effects of prescribed medication(s); and what to expect regarding an ordered test or procedure.

Be an involved and informed healthcare consumer. Being prepared – and knowing how to talk to your doctor – will help you make the most of your time there and gain maximum benefit from his or her guidance.

Weatherford Regional Medical Center offers free programs and seminars on healthy living and ways to stay active and prevent disease through its Healthy Woman and Senior Circle programs. You can also find out more information on these and other conditions on www.weatherfordregional.com at the Health Resources link.

Take charge of your health today by utilizing the resources at Weatherford Regional Medical Center. For more information, call 817-341-CARE (2273). 

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