Getting the Most Out of Your Next Doctor's Visit

We all led busy lives and most of us are trying to do too much. Sometimes though we need to take a moment and gather our thoughts. This is true in the case of being prepared for our next doctor's visit. The more information we can give our physician the better care we will receive. By more, I mean clear and precise information that is written down, not a rambling disjointed set of phrases that we come up with on the spot as we try to communicate to our doctor just why we are there today. The following tips should help your next visit go much easier.

It's important that your physician is aware of all the medications you take; whether it's prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal supplements, or minerals. So bring all your medications or take a list of all your medications with you to your next appointment. If you decide to make a list, be sure to not only put the name of the medication, but also the strength of the dosage and when you take it. Some medications need to be taken at certain times; others need to be taken alone. It is important that your doctor knows how you've been taking your medications. Sometimes when you are experiencing medical problems it is because you are having side affects from how your medications are reacting to each other.

Having all the doctors you currently see working together will greatly improve the quality of your healthcare. Your primary care physician (PCP) should be aware of all the visits you made to specialists. Knowing what procedures, medications, and the treatments given by all your other doctors can help your PCP make wiser decisions. When you make that list be sure to put their contact information to make it easier for the office staff to get the necessary information. Speaking of lists, make one of all changes in your health since you last visited your doctor. Include all surgeries and new diagnosis you received from other doctors. If you have them, bring photocopies of the medical records and/or lab results or ask that these records be faxed to your PCP.

Being able to remember all your symptoms when you are ill is sometimes difficult. Before you leave to go to your appointment jot down the problems you are experiencing, and if you see a pattern to the symptoms you are having write that down also. If you have done some research on your medical condition and want to discuss what you found; bring a copy of the article/book for your physician.

Organizing your thoughts through these lists before your visit will help you get more out of your visit. Then there is the added bonus of having the office staff and the physician being grateful and probably a little astonished that you are playing a larger role in your own healthcare.