Doctors have a limited amount of time for every patient so in order to get the most out of your face to face with your MD here are a few suggestions:
Arrive Early
If they ask you to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time, do so. You have paper work to fill out. Make sure your insurance is current in their records. Do not be impatient if you have to wait. Bring a tablet or book. Ask the receptionist for their guest WiFi log in.
Make A List
Have a list written down of concerns you want to ask the doctor about your health and/or your prescriptions. Prioritize. Have a list written down of all the medications you take and the dosage amount. Unless asked do not bring in a bag of drugs. Also include any supplements or vitamins you take. Tell the doctor who your insurance is through in case a drug he/she wants to prescribe to you is not covered by your carrier but another similar drug is. Just because the receptionist knows who your insurance does not mean the doctor is aware.
Use Electronic Messaging
Sign up if you haven’t already to electronic messaging. This is the fastest way to get a refill for a prescription, ask the doctor a question or find out about your lab results.
Ask Questions & Be Honest
If the doctor orders labs, ask why. If you do not understand something the doctor told you ask again. Do not lie to your doctor. This is your health and your doctor is not going to judge you, but can not do his or her best job for you if you lie. Examples of popular lies: amount you drink, amount you exercise, if you use recreation drugs, if you are depressed or if you will follow their recommendations. Trust me they have heard it all before. If you know you won’t exercise 3 times a week but once a week, tell your doctor. If you know you won’t fill a prescription they recommend, say so!
Written by: Haralee Weintraub, CEO of Haralee.Com, Cool Garments for Hot Women
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About the Author
Haralee Weintraub is the CEO of Haralee.com. Before starting her own company, Haralee was a pharmaceutical sales representative calling on doctors for 23 years. As a breast cancer survivor, she also learned to fine tune her skills in a doctor’s office!
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