Are You Prepared for Your Annual Checkup?

Annual doctor checkups are a required and important part of life. In fact, regular checkups are probably one of the most important things anyone can do to maintain their health. I asked my doctor why she recommended such regular attention and her response was no surprise. "Your health is my responsibility as much as yours. I can't do my job without strong, honest communication." When I asked her what she recommended to encourage the best communication, she said that above all, simply telling her if I had any symptoms that concerned me, no matter how small. She also recommended the following things.

Doctor's Checkup Checklist #1: Bring information with you.

Any time you go to the doctor's office you should bring several things with you. One must is a list of any drugs, vitamins, or supplements you're taking even if the doctor you're seeing was the one who gave you the prescriptions. My doctor actually asked me to take in the jars of vitamins so she could see the dosages and the expiration dates as well. If you're seeing a new doctor, remember to bring a list of any allergies you have as well. And if you have them, xrays, test results, and any past medical records will be of great use. Finally, be sure to bring a brief list of any known medical histories of your immediate relatives.

Doctor's Checkup Checklist #2: Be honest and communicate even the smallest details.

A lot of people are embarrassed to tell their doctor about troubles they're experiencing, especially if they relate to digestive problems, sexual issues, or lifestyle choices. Many people are also embarrassed when doctors ask questions about these issues. Always remember that the information you share with your doctor helps to determine the best possible care you can receive.

Doctor's Checkup Checklist #3: Keep yourself informed.

Any time your doctor tells you details about your health, pay attention. And any time you don't understand something, ask your doctor to explain it another way to help you understand. Your doctor will do their best to explain things to you, but if you don't understand something you should ask for clarification. If you ask no questions, your doctor may assume that you understand what they're telling you. Be sure to ask for reading material suggestions in addition to what the doctor tells you in person so that you can educate yourself further and have better questions to ask the next time you spend time talking to them.

Doctor's Checkup Checklist #4: Call.

Your doctor may only have specific times of the day available for calling you back about your questions, but don't let that stop you from calling them for information. If you have questions about symptoms you have or if you have symptoms that haven't improved, call your doctor on the telephone. When you call, ask about other contact options. Does your doctor answer questions by email? Can you speak with a nurse assistant or medical assistant immediately if the doctor isn't available? Frequently your doctor has multiple options for communicating with patients. Call them and find out what options are available to you.

Doctor's Checkup Checklist #5: Keep records.

Any time you go to the doctor's office, keep a record of your trip. It may be something as simple as a recorded line in a diary or notebook, but if you have the date you visited and a brief note about what you discussed, the information may be invaluable. Make sure you get records of all test results any time you have testing done by the doctor's office or any office that your doctor recommends to you. Frequently the doctor will send copies to you without your asking, but it's best to request them specifically to make sure your doctor knows you'd like complete records of your own. Should emergencies arise, having those records on hand could mean immediate treatment without delay. And those records will help you with tip number 1: bring information.