10 Tips to Help You Get Your Money's Worth at Your Doctor's Office

If you have recently made an appointment for your annual physical or if you have scheduled an appointment because you have a specific ailment, take the time to prepare yourself before arriving at your doctor's office. While most doctors certainly deserve our respect, it is wise to remember that you are purchasing services from your physician and you are responsible for the care you receive. Your doctor will be unable to provide you with a proper diagnosis or order the correct tests if you do not actively participate. Here are some important tips to remember before you arrive at your doctor's office to ensure you get the best care for your money.

Medical Exam Tip #1

When scheduling your appointment, ask for the first appointment of the day or the first appointment after lunch. The best doctors want to give their patients the time and attention they need. However, this might cause you to end up sitting in the waiting room while another patient receives care. Your time is valuable so don't waste it waiting on your doctor. Scheduling the first appointment allows the doctor to give you the attention you need. It has the added benefit of seeing your physician when they are fresh and ready to tackle the full schedule they have waiting for them.

Medical Exam Tip #2

Take the time to prepare for your appointment ahead of time. Write down any changes that have occurred since your last visit. Write down the exact reason you are there and give specifics. For example, if your complaint is heartburn, try to remember the specifics such as when it starts, what seems to trigger your heartburn, is it worse when you lie down, etc. Include any other symptoms or issues you are having whether or not you think they are related to your original complaint. How many times have you left your doctor's office and then realized you forgot a question you wanted to have addressed? You can avoid this with your written preparation before your appointment.

Medical Exam Tip #3

Do your research on the condition you are experiencing before you arrive for your visit. It is imperative that you are a well informed patient. However, this does not mean you should tell your physician you have already made your own diagnosis! But doing research on your ailment will allow you to ask informed questions and better understand what your doctor is telling you. Your research can also help you understand different treatment options. This will allow you to participate with your doctor in your ultimate plan of care.

Medical Exam Tip #4

If your doctor writes you a prescription, be sure to ask if there is a generic drug available. For example, there are a variety of Statin drugs available for the treatment of high cholesterol, some brand name and some very similar to the brand name that are generic. Ask if the generic would accomplish the same benefit as the brand name medication. If your physician agrees that a generic would work, great! You have saved quite a bit of money on your prescription. However, if your doctor believes that the brand name drug would provide better treatment for your condition, ask for samples. Pharmaceutical Representatives stock your physicians sample closet at no cost to the physician and no cost to you. Getting a sample provides two purposes. First, it allows you to try the medication and make sure you don't have any negative side effects from the prescription. If you do have a bad reaction, you haven't purchased a month's worth of medicine. Second, if the medicine agrees with you, you have received the first few weeks of treatment for free.

Medical Exam Tip #5

When your doctor writes you a prescription, be sure to ask for it to be written to provide a three month supply. If your prescription insurance allows you to purchase your script this way, you will get ninety days of medication with one co-pay rather than three.

Medical Exam Tip #6

Do not be afraid to discuss what types of treatment you can afford and what you cannot afford. Often, your doctor can help you develop strategies to afford treatment. The physician could refer you to a pharmaceutical assistance program, or write prescriptions for a larger dose and teach you to split the pills. Being honest with your doctor about what you can afford is essential to receiving the best care for your money.

Medical Exam Tip #7

Take a family member or friend who can act as your advocate with you to the appointment. Two sets of ears are better than one. Often, the news you receive might cause you to focus on only one portion of your doctor's instructions. Do not be afraid to take notes during your visit. Be sure to ask for clarification if there is something you do not understand. When you leave the office, make sure that you and your advocate have had all your questions answered. If your physician does not want to give you the proper amount of time to answer all your questions, find another doctor.

Medical Exam Tip #8

Before you leave the office, instructions in hand and questions answered, make sure you know the name of the person to call if you have any questions regarding your treatment once you have left the office. Usually, you can leave a message for the physician's nurse and they will return your call by the end of the day. If you do have questions, do not hesitate to call. Today, some offices also allow email communication. Check to see if this is an option for you as well.

Medical Exam Tip #9

If your doctor is sending you out for further testing, make sure that you understand what the test is, how it is performed, if you need someone to take you to the test and drive you home or if you'll need to take the entire day off work. Understand how long it will take to get the results and ask who will be calling to relay those results to you. Receiving the answers to these questions ahead of time can often put your mind at ease.

Medical Exam Tip #10

When you have been scheduled for additional testing, be sure to arrive on time. Dress in comfortable clothing. Be sure to bring a jacket or wrap to keep you warm if you end up needing to sit for a long period of time in a cold exam room. Make sure you have followed all pre-test instructions to the letter. If they tell you not to eat after midnight and you are afraid you will be hungry before your 9:00 appointment, be sure to eat something just prior to midnight to help carry you through.

In today's complex medical environment, it is essential that you are an informed consumer. You are responsible for the healthcare you receive. Following these 10 easy tips will effectively prepare you to help your doctor provide you with the proper testing, diagnosis and treatment.