by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: May 13, 2012

Top 10 Steps to a Satisfying Medical Appointment

1. Decide how you want to be doctored.

Before you see a doctor for the first time, it might be helpful to think about how you want to be doctored. Are you looking for someone who will keep things short and to the point, getting you quickly through this appointment? Are you looking for a doctor who will take extra time to chat? Someone willing to patiently respond to your list of questions? Some of this will depend on whether the doctor is in private practice and sets his own schedule; or, is he part of a larger group and expected to see so many patients per hour or day.

2. Find out your doctor's perspective.

Are you put off by your doctor's continual harping about getting flu shots (It's the worst flu season ever!, he dourly pronounces) and/or mammogram and/or a colon cancer test, etc. First, ask the doctor's permission to discuss a subject that is very important to you. Asking permission is the polite thing to do (set an example for him). Explain quietly what it is that he says that bothers you and how it makes you feel. Offer him the same opportunity to explain why it is so important to him to hand out these warnings. It may be that he does it because it really is important to him that he find any problems before they become too serious. He may feel terrible when a patient develops a problem that could have been found early and more easily taken care of. Although may still decide not to have a particular test, you'll now have a different perspective of why he does what he does.

3. Take along a list of all your medications.

Every time. Every doctor. Keep them all informed. Every doctor in your life, whether or not he/she prescribes medications for you, needs to be aware of what others have prescribed. Medicines might be causing one of your symptoms. Some medicines should not be taken at the same time as others. Doctors cannot give you the best care if they don't have all relevant information.

4. What shall I wear?

First, think about what this doctor visit entails. Will the dermatologist be examining your entire body? Or will your family physician be checking for an earache? Will it be necessary for you to take off your shoes only, a few articles of clothing, or strip off everything? What can you wear so that you can quickly and easily remove the necessary clothing?

Additionally, if this is a new doctor and you'll be required to remove most of your clothing, feel free to take along your own robe. The ones provided by

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