Going to the doctor can be stressful. Even if it’s for a routine checkup, it may leave you wondering about the things you need to bring, what you should say, and what you should expect. But here’s the thing: A small amount of preparation can turn your doctor’s visit from a baffling experience into a seamless encounter. So before you wait your turn in the waiting room next time, here’s everything you should know to make the most of your appointment.
Organizing Your Health Information — The Right Way to Do It
This step is so important. If there’s anything you can do to make your doctor’s job easier — and your experience better — it’s coming in armed with your medical history in hand. That is not to say that you need to carry a five-inch stack of index cards in a binder. But having the basics in your head or on paper or in your phone (or all three) can go a long way.
Here’s what you should include:
- A history of prior illnesses or chronic diseases
- Any surgeries or serious medical procedures you’ve had
- Known allergies
- Ongoing medications and supplements
- Family health history (such as nicotine use, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, or cancer)
And if you’ve recently had:
- Blood work,
- X-rays or scans,
- Or if you have received an opinion from a specialist or have a diagnosis, bring those along too.
Your doctor may not have access to them, particularly if they were performed at another clinic or hospital. Having everything in place saves time and ensures your doctor can get the full picture of your health. That result leads to better care and less redundant testing, both good things.
Understand Your Insurance Information
We understand that insurance can be confusing for many but it’s essential to check your insurance coverage. A little refresher on your coverage before the appointment can save you from some annoying (and potentially expensive) surprises down the road.
Here’s what to check:
- Is your doctor in-network?
- Do you need pre-authorization for any tests or procedures?
- Does it have a cap on specialist visits?
- What is your co-pay or deductible for this type of visit?
Even something as simple as calling the number on your insurance card can answer a lot. That five-minute call can spare you hours of billing misery later.
Create a List of Questions and Concerns
Your doctor may have just 10 to 15 minutes to speak with you. So, instead of trusting your memory (which can falter when you’re nervous or rattled), create a list of everything you want to ask or talk about.
Include things like:
- Any symptoms that have been bothering you (even if they feel random)
- Pain or discomfort you’d like support to manage
- Good habits you are trying to establish, such as a new diet or workout regimen
- Worries about medicine or treatment
Bringing a list can help make sure you don’t forget something important while you’re in the room.
- Dress for the exam
- It might seem obvious, but people don’t always think about it: Wear clothes that are easy to remove if necessary.
Some easy tips:
- Choose loose-fitting clothing
- If you think blood-taking is probable, wear short sleeves.
- Avoid layers and accessories you need to take off one by one.
This simply makes things easier and more pleasant for you and for your doctor. You don’t want to be fumbling with buttons and belts while they are trying to listen to your heartbeat.
Review Your Medications
Prescription drugs, over-the-counter cold remedies, even a daily vitamin — your doctor needs to be aware of all that you take. This allows them to be aware of any possible drug interactions and determine if your meds are actually hitting the target.
So make a list that includes:
- Medication names and dosages
- How often you take each one
- How long you’ve been using them
- Any side effects that you have observed
If there’s something you used to take that you recently stopped taking, or something new you’ve recently started taking, mention that as well.
If you don’t even really know what you’re still taking something for, bring it up! Your doctor may tell you it’s time to quit or to try an alternative.
Familiarize Yourself with What Could Happen on the Visit
Doctor visits don’t need to be a mystery. Indeed, most of these appointments have a fairly standard form:
- You will talk about about symptoms.
- The doctor will begin to ask questions to clarify what is happening.
- A general physical examination may come next — it may be brief or more detailed.
- From there, the doctor may order tests or prescribe a treatment plan.
At times they will need to direct you to a specialist or recommend follow-up tests. So you shouldn’t be surprised when the visit concludes with additional steps to follow. Always ask:
- When can I expect to receive my results?
- Should I make a follow up appointment?
- Is there a way to email the office if I have additional questions?
Best to have a plan in place than to leave it to fate, right?
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
Your visit doesn’t stop when you walk in and out the door. There’s usually stuff to do afterward — whether it’s picking up a prescription, scheduling a test or monitoring your symptoms.
A few follow-up tips include:
- Read the doctor’s notes or summary of review.
- Add anything that needs to be done to your to-do list, and set calendar reminders for it.
- Monitor how you feel after any shifts in medication or treatment.
If something seems weird or unclear, consider calling the doctor’s office.
Doctors do really want to help, but it’s up to you to stay engaged once you walk out of the clinic. Keeping engaged in your care can help you find problems early and stay healthier in general.
Going to the doctor might not be your favorite thing, but there are ways to make the whole process way less stressful – and if we’re being honest, way more productive. Here’s a quick rundown of what to do before your next appointment:
- Look closely at your insurance coverage
- Write down questions or symptoms you wish to discuss
- Bring a meds list and any problems you have with them
- Ask what the visit will entail and what tests will be administered
- Follow up after the meeting to stay on track
Your health is important and you should absolutely make the most of your next visit. So the next time you have an appointment, walk in all prepared. You’ve got this.
