10 Steps To A Satisfying Medical Appointment

I want to post the following article because I think it is something that can help you when going to the doctor.

At one point all of us will have to visit a doctor. Why not make sure that you are getting the best results?


The Top 10 Steps to a Satisfying Medical Appointment
Kathleen Richardson

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 you may still decide to not have a particular test, you�ll now have a different perspective of why he says what he says.

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 meds 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 the nurse are typically skimpy and may leave you feeling exposed and cold! If you have not yet met this new doctor and the nurse asks you to take off your clothes, you might want to consider stating your need to first meet and talk with the doctor while wearing your own clothes and sitting in a chair. This is your right.

5. Relax.

Use that waiting time in the examining room to lean back and close your eyes. I like to turn off all but one light. If there is a window, turn them all off; maybe you�ll even want to close the blinds. Do some deep breathing. If moving around relaxes you, stand and do some stretching exercises. Visualize how you would like the visit to go: positively, of course.

6. Ask someone to accompany you.

You have the right to take someone with you into the doctor�s office and into the examination room. It�s always a good idea to check on a new doctor�s policy regarding this. If the doctor is not receptive to the idea, you might want to find another doctor.

Why have someone with you? Do you tend to get very nervous on these visits? Having a relative or friend can be calming. This extra someone can remind you to ask the questions you want to ask, and they might suggest a new question based on what they hear. This same friend or relative can role-play with you before the appointment and then, after you leave the doctor�s office, help you talk about what happened.

7. You�re paying for a service.

The doctor is the expert on medicine and disease. You are the expert on your body. It doesn�t matter if you pay with insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or cash, you have hired the doctor and he works for you. You have the right to expect courtesy and an excellent quality of service. Any complaints, try discussing them with the doctor in a calm, factual manner. If you are unable to get satisfaction, move up the chain of command. If the need arises, every state has some type of medical regulatory agency.

8. Now you�re finally talking with the doctor.

Remember to take an occasional deep breath. Pause before you answer his or her questions. Be prepared with your written list of questions. Even if it�s just one question, write it down so you don�t forget. If you don�t understand the response, ask the doctor to re-word it. Write down the answers. Read back what you have written, or paraphrase it and ask if you got it right. Doctor�s time is limited; lots of other patients are waiting, so start asking your questions early on rather than waiting until he stands up to leave the room.

9. Stick to the subject at hand and be concise.

You came to see the doctor about heartburn? Before you dive in with other ailments, ask the doctor if there is time for questions on another problem or should you make another appointment. The doctor has a limited amount of time to spend with each patient. Remember how it feels to sit in the waiting room past your appointed time.

10. Pay up and schedule.

The appointment is over. Congratulations, it was a great visit and you might even be looking forward to the next appointment. If the doctor asked that you come back at a certain time, ask if you can schedule it now or do you need to wait until it�s closer to the date. This is the time, too, to ask if you will need paperwork for blood tests or other exams.

The doctor has to make a living, too. Although your mind is now on your great health or a recently diagnosed illness, the bills still have to be paid. Your choices: provide your health insurance information, pay cash, or make arrangements for scheduled payments.

About the Author
Kathleen Richardson is a graduate of the Coachville Graduate School of Coaching. She established Life Coaching On Your Way To The Top in 2001 and in 2005 she branched out as a Volunteer Management Coach where she uses 20 years of experience to help non-profits attract volunteers. Her monthly column, It�s Your Life, is featured in the Elmira NY Star-Gazette�s Health & Fitness magazine. Kathleen Richardson may be contacted at http://www.onyourwaytothetop.com. Click here to view more articles by Kathleen Richardson.