Going to visit the doctor can often be stressful. However, if you prepare in advance you can get more out of your visit and make it less stressful. Before your visit, prepare a list of all the medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and the names of any other doctors you are seeing. This will help you to fill out any forms and to update your medical history.
You may be seeing your doctor for one of three reasons: you are sick, you need a routine checkup, or you need a follow-up visit. Preparing your lists in advance will help your doctor understand why you have come.
List for Sickness Visit
1) The symptoms you are having
2) When your symptoms began
3) Any specific event that caused the symptoms – new medication, injury, stress
4) Anything that made your symptoms worse or better
5) Questions regarding side effects and reactions of medications to be given
List for Routine Visit
1) Questions about preventative medicine
2) Questions about screening tests (colonoscopy, mammogram, prostate, bone density)
3) Questions about lifestyle changes including diet and exercise
4) Questions about changes in your medication
List for Follow-Up Visit
1) Description of how you are getting better or how you may not be improving
2) Regularity of taking medication or treatment
3) What makes your symptoms better or worse
4) Medication Side effects
Always be honest when your doctor asks you questions. Let your doctor know if there are any major changes or stresses in your life. Make sure you understand everything the doctor tells you. Always ask for an explanation. Take the time to write down important things to remember.
Article Provided By Visiting Nurse Services of New York
Tags: preparing to see your doctor, Visiting Nurse Services of NY
October 5, 2009 at 3:12 am
You can do much of this during the several hours that you’re waiting to be seen; then speak fast during the ten-fifteen minutes allotted for your visit.