by Ashe Hope

Created on: December 31, 2008

Making the most of your appointment with the doctor.

Notice the key word, it is YOUR appointment. Making the most of it is your responsibility. Here are a few steps to help you walk out of the appointment with satisfaction.

Never be late for an appointment. In fact, arrive a few minutes early, be seated, get your paper work done and wait to be called in. Granted, most doctors' offices don't run on time. But the one time that you are late is when they are waiting on you! This may unwittingly give the doctor a few minutes of advantage, but it puts you at a disadvantage. You end up being flustered and may forget a few things you intended to talk to the doctor. If you are running late, make a call to the doctor's office to let them know. They may not even have noticed it yet, but will surely appreciate it.

Be prepared with all the needs that go with the doctor's office visit. If any of your demographics, like insurance, telephone number, address, or contact person has changed, keep it ready. Inform the front office secretary of all the changes . Be prepared with your financial obligations for the visit .If that is a problem, ask to talk to a financial counsellor about it. Having this figured out ahead of time is less stressful for all parties involved.

Going through a doctor's office is a series of steps. You will encounter support staff before you see the doctor. A medical assistant or nurse will be the first clinical staff that you encounter. They gather the necessary clinical information. From getting your weight, temperature, and blood pressure to obtaining your current medications. This is where it is very important for you to have all pertinent information. Inform them if you have developed any new symptoms, allergies or changes in dosage of medications. If you are seeing dual doctors for different reasons, keep them informed of any changes your secondary doctor has recommended. They will document all this in the chart for the doctor to review before you are seen.

Be patient. Understand that doctors don't keep you waiting for no reason. Just like you have questions, the patient prior to you may be keeping the doctor with questions. Be mindful of that fact when it is your turn with the doctor.

Be ready for the doctor when he or she comes in to see you. Yes, with the current trend in managed care doctors see a lot of patients. No, you are not just a number to them. But don't expect them to remember all your family members either! Practice the right amount of etiquette. A short greeting,just a bit of small talk and then get right to the reason you are there. While on the topic of etiquette, please do not use your cell phone when you are in the room, unless it is extremely important. There is nothing more disconcerting to a physician to walk into a patient's room and wait for them to get off their cell phone.

Never leave things to your memory. Always have a written list of things that you want to discuss. It is a good idea to have a pen handy, so you can jot down the doctor's answers to your questions. If you don't understand the terminology, don't hesitate to say so. Doctors are not trying to show off their terminology. They are just so used to them, they think it is every man's language. Paraphrase something the doctor says, so they can hear you and make sure you got it right. Do make every effort to follow the doctor's instructions.

Be prepared for some extra stuff that the doctor may require when you are seen. You may need some blood work, X Rays etc. Allocate some time for the unforeseen.

As you leave make sure you have your next appointment written down in a place, which is easily accessible. Make sure you thank the ancillary staff. They are the ones who keep the doctor's office going!

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