Part 2: Maximize Your Medical Visit - It IS All About "You" During The Appointment!

Welcome back! 🙋🏾‍♀️ In Part 1, we discussed how to prepare for your doctor appointments in detail, to include examples of how to make a list of your concerns, medications, diagnosis and so on. It is best to read that post first before moving on.

In this post, we will be discussing how to take control during your appointment visit, potentially avoiding “white-coat hypertension” while speaking with medical care team and have a follow-up plan.

Now that you are at the doctors office, here we will have a general overview on:

• How to communicate your concerns

• Make discussion a 2-way conversation

• Leave the office feeling heard

• Actually understanding ‘most’ of what was said or done and

• A plan on what to do next

Come on inside! 🚀

Part 2: During And After Your Appointment

To maximize every appointment with your doctor, it's important to be prepared (Part 1). But now that you are prepared, you must follow-through in order to maximize the appointment. Remember, without you, we do not have a job… we are there solely for you. Here are few pointers on how to engage with your physician during any appointment (though described for outpatient setting, some of the points are also very relevant during inpatient care for you or a loved one).

1. Ask Questions

Speak up! 📢 Don't be afraid to ask questions during your medical visit. We are there to help you, and we want to make sure that you have all of the information needed to make informed decisions about your health. If you don't understand something being discussed, ask for further explanation in simpler terms. Similarly, there are any concerns, or doubts about a particular treatment, or medication, ask the doctor to clarify. Don’t be shy - it’s simplier than you think. Just say the word … “can you please repeat that… in simpler terms?”

Asking questions can also help with understanding your medical condition and how best to manage it more effectively. For example, a very common chronic condition such as diabetes, asking questions about how to manage diet, or how to monitor blood sugar levels can help to better manage the condition and prevent complications. If a test is required, ask what it is for and why you need it. Example: If you are not diabetic, chances are you know someone who has diabetes. Question for you or your friend/relative: Do you know what the Hemoglobin A1c lab (blood work) is, or why it is necessary? Everyone with diabetes should know…

As noted in Part 1, it bears repeating, if at an annual exam, be sure to ask the following questions, if not prompted by your doctor:

• What screenings should I have for my age?

• If labs (blood work) ordered are not self explanatory, ask, “what are these labs testing for?” … follow-up by asking, “what is the normal range and what number would cause concern?”

• Most now have direct access to results as soon as they are available via hospital/clinic patient portal for chart access. If not, then ask, “when can I get the results?” or “If I have questions about the results when it comes up in my patient portal, what is the best way to contact you if I have questions?”

Too many patients wait for weeks to get results… now, that will never be you, because you now know what to do ✅.

2. Be Honest

Honesty is key when it comes to getting the most out of your medical visit. Be honest about any symptoms that you are experiencing, even if they are embarrassing, or uncomfortable. Your doctor is there to help, and they need accurate information in order to make an accurate diagnosis and to recommend the best course of treatment.

I remember about 20yrs ago, a patient was complaining about getting up 3-4x/night to urinate and therefore not getting enough rest. The typical questions regarding fluid intake ensued and based on answers, a certain prescription would be recommended. However, upon a hunch and further questioning patient about fluid intake besides water/soda/juice, “Oh yeah, I do drink about 3-4 beers before bed to help me relax” … 😯 Getting up to urinate 3-4x/night, not getting enough sleep would be related directly to, or at least obscured by alcohol intake. It is difficult to relax, if waking up that often to urinate - counterproductive? Yes. How important was that piece of information? VERY. Don’t let your doctor dig too deep … sometimes there is just not enough time during your office visit for “the dig” so just tell us.

Similarly, be honest about any lifestyle factors that may be impacting your health. For example; smoking, drug use, alcohol intake, etc., It is important to let your doctor know. They may be able to offer advice, or support to help with quitting, or to reduce intake. What you tell us matters. It is the input ingredient for the best output - your best care - no judgement.

3. Take Notes

During a medical visit, it is important to take notes on what the doctor says about your health, what to do, etc., Even if in the medical field, chances are, everything will not be remembered. Taking notes will help with remembering the important points that were discussed and increase chances of following any recommendations, or instructions that were given. Compliance is a big issue simply because patients do not remember. If unsure about how to take Rx medications, or how often to take it, make a note of this and verify with the doctor as well, so that you can refer back to it later. Pharmacists are usually very helpful in this area, but be sure to understand the frequency and reason as well from your doctor.

Sometimes the doctor may speak fast, or there may be issues with language/accent barrier. By writing down what you “thought you heard” it can easily be verified with your doctor before leaving the office (show what was written, or simply read back to the doctor - just to verify). This will definitely help to improve overall communication and decrease that gap between you and your doctor.

Taking notes can also help with the feeling of being more in control of your healthcare. By actively engaging with the information that the doctor is providing, you can feel more confident in your ability to manage your health effectively.

4. Follow-up

Finally, your follow-up plan is just as important as preparing for, and having the actual appointment itself (if not more important). After your medical visit, it is important to follow up on any recommendations, or instructions that were given. If blood work must be done remember to ask;

• should it be done fasting?

• does the time of day matter?

• what are the blood test for?

• when will the results be available? and so on…

These questions are similar for any scans that should be done as well. Make a note of responses. This may include scheduling follow-up appointments, taking medication as prescribed, or making lifestyle changes.

If you are unsure about anything that was discussed during your visit, don't be afraid to call your doctor's office to ask for clarification. Your doctor and their team are there to support you, and they want to ensure that you have all of the information that you need to manage your health effectively.

Conclusion Part 2

Taking care of yourself can seem like a full time job, but the ONE BODY is all you’ve got. Set the bar - neither your car, nor your pet should be getting better care than you 😲…. I said it😎! I understand that visiting the doctor can be a daunting experience, but practice makes better. Also, by following these tips and strategies, it help with maximizing your medical visit and get the most out of every appointment. Remember, your doctor is there to help you, and by being prepared, asking questions, being honest, taking notes, and following up, you will start the journey of living your best life now.