Top Ten Tips - Preparing For A Doctor’s Visit
By Tip Diva | Dec 18, 2007
Categories: Doctor, Etiquette, Health, Illness, Medical, Medicine, Prescriptions, Sickness, Tips
Visits to the doctor’s office are never fun, but you can make it easier for both yourself and your doctor. Here’s how:
- Follow Pre-Apointment Directions - Your doctor may give you directions before your appointment, especially if you will be taking tests. Examples include drinking water or fasting. If you don’t follow these directions, your doctor may not be able to perform needed tests or examinations and you’ll have to reschedule, wasting both your time and the doctor’s time.
- Arrive Early - Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment, in case you have to fill out paperwork. Many times, early appointments get cancelled and they can fit you in early. You could even try calling your doctor’s office in the morning and asking the receptionist if any earlier slots are open.
- Call In Advance If You Cannot Make Your Appointment - If you cannot make your appointment, let the doctor’s office know right away. Your slot can then be used for another patient. Many offices now charge you a fee for not canceling within a certain time period.
- Have Your Co-Pay Ready - If you know your co-pay amount ahead of time, have it ready. Make sure you know which form of payment your doctor takes - some only take credit cards, while others prefer checks or cash. If you don’t have your co-pay at the time of your visit, the office may charge you more money for additional paperwork.
- Have Your Insurance Card And Records Handy - The receptionist, nurse or doctor may need these to update your records and properly treat you. Records include test results, x-rays and past medical history.
- Jot Down A List Of Your Symptoms - Before you go, jot down a list of your symptoms or complaints. Otherwise, you may forget a symptom if you’re not feeling it at that moment. This will give your doctor a more accurate picture of what you feel. Make sure to list where the trouble is and how long you’ve been having symptoms. Also include any environments you’ve been in and whether close family, friends or co-workers have been sharing the same illness or symptoms.
- Bring A Second Ear - If you’re going for test results or a particularly serious condition, bring a second person with you to listen to what the doctor has to say. If you are nervous or upset, you may not hear every important detail. And if you are hospitalized or otherwise incapacitated, you’ll have another person to decribe your symptoms or know the appropriate treatment.
- Write Down Your Prescription Names - If your doctor gives you a prescription, ask the doctor to spell out the pharmaceutical and what the correct dosage is. Write these down and bring them to the pharmacy with you to make sure what the pharmacist gives you is exactly what your doctor said. CNN’s Elizabeth Cohen has more on how to prevent pharmacy errors.
- Make Sure You Leave With Prescriptions And Referrals - Before you leave, make sure you have both your prescriptions and referrals in hand. It will save you a trip and the hassle later.
- Ask Questions - Don’t be afraid to ask questions about your treatment, diagnosis or what you’re feeling. And never be afraid to seek out a second opinion - it’s your health, and you should be in control.
What do you do to prepare for a doctor’s visit?
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