Maximize Your Medical Visit - Get the Most Out of Every Appointment!

Are you dreading a doctor's appointment? You're not alone. Going to the doctor doesn't have to be a stressful experience though. We (doctors) understand that you may be feeling anxious or stressed about visiting us, but at some point it is inevitable! So, when you have to go, don't just pencil in your visit and show up - make sure you are prepared. Your first appointment could make all the difference in recognizing potential problems before they become bigger ones! Whether you are visiting for a routine check-up or for a specific health concern, it is important to make the most out of every appointment. I will share with you practical insider tips that I share with with my family and close friends.

It is very important to prepare for your appointments, so you can communicate openly with your doctors and get the appropriate guidance and answers for your situation. You are not your family members or friends, so your experience and outcome WILL be different. By maximizing your medical visit, you can ensure that you receive the best care possible and that you will leave the doctor's office feeling confident and informed. In this 2 part blog series, we will explore some tips and strategies to help you get the most out of every medical visit. Also included in part 2 is a checklist that you may use as a guide for general appointments … let’s get started 🚀

Part 1: Before Your Appointment

To maximize every appointment with your doctor, it's important to be prepared. No matter how you choose to do this, preparation will include: Making a list of your concerns, writing down your questions, being familiar with your medications, diagnosis and more. Also, taking someone with you on certain appointment may be considered the most important for many physicians, especially if procedures are being considered. Let’s delve into each area.

1. Make a list of your concerns

Before your appointment, make a list of any symptoms or concerns you have, and write down any questions you want to ask. This will help you to remember everything you want to discuss with your doctor, and ensure that nothing important gets left out. This could include questions about your symptoms, treatments, medications, or any other health-related topics. It may be you have no pressing questions (routine follow-up), or you may have something nagging you for months, or something just happened a week or so ago. Write it down ✍🏼📝

2. Write down your question

Along with your list of concerns, make a list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

Of course you have questions! If you are over age 40, you definitely have loads of questions. Here are a few starter questions … to get the conversation going in a productive manner. Pick a couple from below to use and then generate your own questions: