Doctor, what can I do to get the most out of my visits?

Most people are intimidated by their doctor. A sense of apprehension arises even before the visit.

To help you get the most out of your doctor visit, you should first prepare. Make a list of all of the things you want to be addressed. Put it in your purse or wallet. Actually, most doctors welcome this “Laundry List” concept. It helps in making sure that your concerns are addressed and helps prevent the “call back” telephone messages. Also, take your medications with you to your appointments.

Try to prioritize your list by starting with the bigger or more disabling problems. During the visit, go over all the problems right at the beginning. That way the doctor can address the most important issues first. This is like negotiating a contract. Priorities need to be established and addressed. The lesser issues can be dealt with by telephone or a return visit.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Doctors welcome patients who want to be informed about their problems. This serves a dual purpose. One, the patient gets educated about their problems and this leads to less anxiety. Second, there are fewer calls made to the doctor to ask questions and the doctor is less stressed.

There are some basic questions that need to be answered. These questions and answers cover most illnesses:

1. What is the diagnosis?
2. What is the cause?
3. What is the treatment and what are my options?
4. How long is the treatment and what are the side effects?
5. What tests are being ordered?
6. When will the doctor get the results?
7. Will the doctor communicate the results to me?
8. What do the results mean?

Try to be informed regarding your health. Good sources of information are available on the Internet, such as WebMD, or through organizations such as the American Red Cross, and, of course, in your local library.

Keep in mind that you only have one body and it is up to you to try and take the best care of yourself.