Prepare to be Sure
You have limited time in hand when you are visiting the doctor. This is why it is important for you to be prepared by thinking what all you want to do during the visit. You must keep in mind questions about your symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, medicines, and effectiveness of your health care. Write down questions to bring to your appointment so that you don’t forget them and repent later. Here are some ways to help you get ready for your next appointment. Image Courtesy: Getty
List of Concerns
You must make a list of questions and problems that are bothering you and are the reason for your visit to the doctor. Your most important questions and concerns should come at top of the list so that they aren’t left out because of time constraint. Image Courtesy: Getty
List of Medications
You must write down all the medications you are taking including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins, and other natural remedies such as herbal products. This will allow the doctor to see if the existing treatment is working, or if any medicine has been causing any side-effects, and if not, it will help him to prescribe a treatment that does not interfere with any of your existing treatments. Image Courtesy: Getty
Health Screenings
Sometimes the doctor would want to get you screened for a health problem and then would make his diagnosis. This will make your visit go to waste because the doctor will only prescribe some tests to you. It is better to call the clinic beforehand and ask about any screenings or vaccinations you must take before the visit.
Companion for Help
Ask a friend or family member to come with you, if you think it will be helpful. This person can help listen, take notes and offer support. Image Courtesy: Getty
Smartphone
Everyone seems to have some kind of smartphone device: an iPhone, a Blackberry, an iPad. There will downtime when you’re waiting. Use this time to look up what your symptoms are and you may ask questions to your doctor based on this research. The smartphone also keeps you busy if your wait is particularly long! Image Courtesy: Getty
Notes
While you hare at your doctor’s, you must take notes of what your doctor says. Sometimes the doctor is so engrossed in explaining you things that he might not write everything on your prescription. That’s when your notes will come handy. Image Courtesy: Getty
Symptoms
You must remember to tell all your problems to the doctor and nurse, even if it has been a slight change in the way you feel or even if the symptom has occurred even once. Tell them the problems, any changes in them, their frequency, and their intensity. Image Courtesy: Getty
Honesty
Answer your doctor’s questions about diet, sexual history, exercise, and lifestyle habits with honesty. Don’t leave out anything because of embarrassment; your doctor won’t judge you. Image Courtesy: Getty
Family History
You must remember to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications, foods, pollen or any other things. Tell him about a family history of any diseases that you might suspect of suffering yourself. Bring to your doctor’s notice if you are pregnant or are trying to conceive. This is important because some medications are not safe for women who are either expecting or are trying to. Image Courtesy: Getty
