6 Simple Steps Before Your Appointment
by Christian Winston
Going to the doctor can be stressful. Patients often don’t know what questions to ask or are intimidated by communicating with their doctor or healthcare provider. Open communication is a key component to having a successful doctor’s visit. There are some simple steps to safeguard your health while making talking with your doctor or care provider more comfortable.
Dr. Elizabeth Gray, Internal Medicine Physician at the Med in College Station, knows from experience the importance of a patient coming prepared to see their doctor. She offers a simple checklist to review before you ever leave the house for the visit:
Bring all medications on every visit to your doctor or healthcare provider. Your doctor can check the medications for dosage and refill needs or changes. Patients should also keep a list of all daily vitamins and supplements. Elderly patients should bring their pillboxes with them. Doctors can ensure patients are taking their medications correctly and answer any questions that may arise.
Bring a list. “Someone shouldn’t be embarrassed to bring a list. It shows me they are ready,” says Dr. Gray; making a list of questions and concerns is extremely helpful.
Dr. Gray suggests bringing a spouse or friend who can help listen, remember questions to ask, and if you aren’t comfortable visiting the doctor alone, a companion can help calm nerves.
If someone is uncomfortable with asking questions, Dr. Gray recommends using “Ask Me 3,” an online patient education program designed to encourage open communication between providers and patients. Questions can be written down and prepared for discussion with the doctor or healthcare provider.
It is important to wear loose-fitting clothing to a doctor’s appointment. “You don’t have to put on a fashion show,” says Dr. Gray. Being comfortable is more important and loose-fitting clothing allows for an easier examination.
Most of all, it is important for a patient to know what diagnosis they have before they leave the doctor’s office. “It’s fine for a patient to say they don’t understand something,” notes Dr. Gray. A doctor’s primary rule is to explain what needs explaining. It is also okay to say “no” to a treatment or option. “A patient is still in control of their own body,” says Dr. Gray.
