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Doctor Office Visits

The things you need to know to have a successful visit to the doctor

My doctor doesn't seem to listen to me. I just get the feeling that she doesn't have time for me. I don't think she really knows what's wrong or why I feel so bad.

Sometimes knowing how to talk with your health care provider makes a difference. Here is some good advice from our experts.

It is important to choose someone that you are comfortable with and either shares or will support your attitudes about medication and treatments. This is true not only for a surgeon or family practitioner, but also for an acupuncturist or massage therapist. A good relationship is a partnership with of you working as a team to develop plans for recovering or maintaining your health. How well you can communicate with each other is one of the most important aspects of obtaining good health care.

If you are looking for a new doctor, ask for recommendations from your family and/or relatives, other health professionals/societies, or professional groups. Schedule an initial visit and bring your past records with you. You are entitled to all your medical records from previous providers and hospitals. If you establish a comfortable, trusting relationship before a crisis, you will have a better chance of getting the care you and your family desire.

What are the office routines?

What are the days/hours the office is open for patients?

Does the doctor make house calls?

How far in advance do you have to make an appointment?

What is the length of the average visit?

What is the office payment system? Medicare or Medicaid policy?

In case of an emergency, how fast can you see the doctor?

Who takes care of patients after hours or when the doctor is away?

The first visit

The first visit should consist of four parts:

Medical history: a review of your medical and surgical past, treatments, medications, and any symptoms you are currently experiencing

Complete physical exam

Diagnostic testing including chest x-ray, urine, blood, and Electro-cardiogram tests, diagnostic testing including chest X-ray

Plans for management

What makes-up a routine physical exam?

Checking feet for swelling and pulses

Examining your eyes, ears, and mouth

Listening to your heart and lungs through a stethoscope

Measuring your blood pressure, pulse, height, and weight

Observing and palpating hands and fingers

Observing posture and walking

Palpating the neck and abdominal areas

Testing reflexes

What you can do

Ask questions: Don't be afraid to say you don't understand. Ask for clarification or for the doctor to repeat the information.

Be honest: It is in your own self-interest to tell the doctor about how your treatment is going and how you are really feeling.

Bring someone else: A family member or a friend can increase the amountof information shared - two heads are better than one.

Prepare:  Make a brief list of your concerns, symptoms and questions before the visit.

Share your point of view: If something isn't working for you, if it is too difficult or too expensive, or if you want to try a different approach, you must share your point of view.

Stick to the point: Each patient can expect to spend a certain amount of time with his or her doctor. Make the best use of your time by being prepared.

Take notes: Write down everything the doctor says in answer to your questions.

Many people are reluctant to discuss personal problems with their health care providers. Often these problems play a role in our poor health and pain. It is important to be able to discuss sensitive subjects such as sex, incontinence, grief, feelings of depression, fears of memory loss, or problems with family members.

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