10 Tips on How to Get the Most
Out of Your Next Medical Visit

1. Before you go to your medical appointment, take time to prepare written notes about why you scheduled the visit. If you have a localized ache or pain, for example, write down such things as the date when it started to hurt, what the pain feels like (throbbing, stabbing, burning, dull, intermittent, etc.), if certain activities aggravate the condition, and things you’ve done to bring about any relief. Also, is there a time of the day or night when the condition is worse?
   
   Make note of things that may have changed recently in your daily routine. Some examples: Starting on a new prescription medication, taking new vitamins or minerals (or different amounts), a change in your diet (perhaps starting on oat bran), a change in your exercise routine, or a lengthy trip that involved flying a long distance. Also be sure to inform your physician of major life events: marriage, new child, separation or divorce, move, loss of a loved one, or loss of a job. Any of these could prove helpful to your physician in establishing a diagnosis.



2. Do some preliminary research on what you believe could be the problem. It’s healthy to take a proactive role in your health and learn about medical conditions and their treatment options. These actions empower you as a healthcare consumer. However, be careful of where you get your health information. On the Internet, you need to make sure it is published by a reliable source – such as a leading medical center. Also, try to find Web sites that display the Health on the Net (HON) Code logo, for example. These health sites follow a number of guidelines intended to benefit consumers.



3. Prepare a reasonable list of questions to ask your doctor so you don’t forget something important during your visit. Consider bringing along a loved one or perhaps a private nurse (or other allied health professional) to take notes for you during the visit and assist you with post-appointment self care. The world of medicine is a complex, ever-changing place with hundreds of medical specialties, various types of medical insurance and forms, new medical procedures and terms, and health organizations that are constantly reorganizing. Therefore, hiring some professional assistance may be well worth the money.



4. Arrive early the day of your appointment. This will allow you extra time to navigate your way to the physician’s office and a chance to relax for a moment before your appointment. You could also review your list of questions a final time before meeting with your doctor.



5. Before you leave the office, make sure you clearly understand the directions given by your physician. Your compliance with his or her instructions often means the difference between getting better or not getting better. If you get home and realize you’re not clear on something, don’t hesitate to call your doctor’s office. While it is unlikely that you will be able to speak directly with your physician, you probably will be able to talk with your doctor’s nurse to resolve your question.



6. If your doctor writes a prescription for a drug and cost is an issue to you, ask your physician about the appropriateness of a generic equivalent. While in some cases they are appropriate, there may be medical conditions under which they are not. Also, always take the full course of medication as prescribed by your doctor. When you fill the prescription, let your pharmacist know up front if a child-proof cap is too difficult for you to use. This may save you a trip back to the pharmacy.



7. Consider starting a written journal or file to collect information on your condition. It’s a great way to assume responsibility for your care and helps you keep track of your progress between doctor visits. It may also prove helpful to your physician at some point in the future. These notes may prove invaluable when multiple specialty physicians and clinics are involved in your care.



8. If you are presented with a diagnosis that involves something more complex, such as the implantation of a medical device (common examples: pacemaker, defibrillator, heart valve or an artificial hip joint), research the manufacturers of these products. They often publish patient-specific information on their Web sites and can send you helpful information that is written in layman’s terms. In some cases, medical device manufacturers publish patient newsletters, which often include resources for support. Most manufacturers have a technical services department that can answer specific questions about your medical device. The U.S. government, which regulates much of the healthcare industry in America, also offers many helpful Web sites for people researching health information.



9. If your condition is chronic in nature, try participating in a patient support group. These groups can provide excellent emotional support and motivation as participants share a common challenge. Group members often share personal anecdotes about what is working for them. In some cases, participants may enjoy exercising together after their meetings.



10. Regardless of the severity of your diagnosis, take time to educate yourself about health conditions. Information is power. And, as they say, an ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure.

Source: Scott Olson, President, www.MedicalMediaRelations.com. This article may not
reflect the views of USHealthNet.com and is presented solely for educational purposes.