Your family doctor is there to help. Make the most of your visits by using these tips below. As a family doctor myself, I see many patients come in nervous, worried or unprepared. Your doctor wants to help you get the most out of life. She is not bothered by embarrassing topics or questions that seem silly. If it's important to you, it will be important to her. - Make a list of your top three concerns in order of priority. If you only get to the top two, at least you'll have your most important questions answered.
- Stick to the point. Your doctor doesn't need to know how upset your are about her secretary or how unhappy you were with the previous doctor you saw. Keep the focus on your concern and the questions you want answered.
- Ask with an open mind. If you are coming to the doctor for an opinion, be prepared to consider her recommendations. Most doctors just want to use their knowledge to your advantage. Make the most of it.
- That being said, you are an expert on you and your body. If you know something works for you, let your doctor know.
- Don't forget to tell the doctor about allergies or intolerances to medication, family history, medical problems, recent surgery, other medications you take, herbal medications, and alternative treatments. These all can affect what medication or treatment your doctor will choose for you. Also, some over the counter and herbal medications interact with medications your doctor may prescribe.
To your health,
Dr. Amy Mullen | - Take a friend, tape recorder or piece of paper to record the vital parts of your visit: the diagnosis, treatment, further tests or follow up, recommendations (like lose weight, stop smoking, cut down on salt) and anything else you want to remember.
- Don't leave important but embarrassing questions until the very end of the visit. You won't have time to get a good exam and answers to your questions. Your doctor has seen it all before and is not bothered by what seems embarrassing to you.
- Ask about your recent blood tests or other results. This will give your doctor a good chance to give you recommendations that can decrease your risk for disease (heart attack, stroke, cancer, etc).
- Ask your doctor for help to stop smoking if needed. This is absolutely the best thing you can do for your health.
- Don't just go when you have a problem. Remember your routine visits, cervical smears, screening tests and vaccinations.
- If you would like more time with your doctor, arrange for a longer appointment. You and your doctor will feel less rushed.
- Don't be afraid to ask what might seem like a silly question. If you are wondering, chances are your doctor has heard the question many times before and won't mind.
- Never feel like a visit is wasted if you don't walk away with a prescription. Peace of mind is priceless. It is always good to get checked out if you are unwell or concerned. Know that your doctor always is thinking of the worst case scenario and will make sure what you are experiencing is not dangerous to your health.
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