A Spoonful of Preparation Makes the Doctor Visit Go Smoother!

Everybody's time is precious, but let's face it, doctors are some of the busiest people we know. The average length of a doctor visit is about 15 minutes. Communicating all your needs and questions in this time frame is a daunting task. That is why it is imperative to spend some time preparing ahead of time. A little preparation goes a long way and can prevent unnecessary repeat visits and phone calls. Here are some things you can do to be prepared for your doctor appointment.

Write down your medications! Make a list of all prescription and over the counter medications you take regularly as well as any vitamin and herbal supplements. What I like to do is to separate the prescription medications and over the counter medications, vitamins, etc, into two separate lists. For all prescription medications, I include the name of the medication, dosage, date it was started and the medical condition for which it was prescribed (as some medications are prescribed for purposes other than their main usage). Include your name and date of birth on the list. Also, write the current date on the list so you will know when it was last updated. Type up lists for yourself and family members and save them on your computer so you can print out copies as needed. Keep copies in your wallet and in the main communication center of your home (I put mine in the kitchen drawer) so that they can be accessed quickly in the event of an emergency. Always give your doctor a copy of your current list so they can keep it with your records. Being prepared with a list saves the doctor the frustration of having to record each medication and ensures that the appointment time will be spent efficiently.

Write down questions! I can't tell you how important this is! Try to limit it to three questions. Also, think of possible solutions. The doctor-patient relationship is a collaborative effort! Doctors like to see that you are taking personal responsibility for your health. For example, if you want to lose weight, research diet and exercise plans ahead of time so that you can discuss these with your doctor. If you have a chronic medical condition, research options on the internet. Although the internet is no substitute for a doctor's medical advice, it can help you become more informed. There are a variety of online support groups for various medical conditions. By joining one of these, you can see what works for other individuals in addition to getting emotional support (one website to try is yahoo.com).

Bring someone with you! Two sets of ears are better than one! Bring along a family member or friend and have them take notes. If you are going to the doctor for a reason other than a well visit, negative emotions can arise. These can affect our ability to be objective. Having another person along can make sure our interpretation of the visit is accurate. It also can't hurt to have much needed emotional support.

Unleash Your Organized Me!