How to get the Most from your Medical Office Visit

Jane Fore, MDBy Dr. Jane Fore

 

When you go to the medical clinic for an appointment it may be for an urgent problem or for a follow-up on medical problems.  Getting the most out of your visit is important.

 

Your preparation for the appointment is essential.   Doing your part and the provider doing their part is a winning partnership.   Doing your part will make a huge contribution and will increase satisfaction for you and the provider that you are seeing.

 

The more you put into the visit, the better the outcome.  Your history input is the most valuable information.  We learn more about your problems through your history than through your physical exam, although both are important.

 

For the evaluation of a condition or problem, background information is required.  Knowledge about allergies, complete list of prescription medications and other current treatments, history of past problems and surgeries, other providers involved in your care and history of the current situation are key elements.

 

Recommendations include the following:

  1. Bring your prescribed medication bottles, any inhalers you take, and bottles of your over-the-counter pills. Include supplements, vitamins, minerals or other treatments like laxatives and other nutritional additives.  Bringing bottles and sprays and inhalers gives the detail that is very helpful in understanding your case.  Confirming the accuracy of this information helps us to understand possible side effects, adverse reactions to medications, drug interactions and provides accurate information.
  2. Bringing another close friend or family member provides another set of ears to hear all the recommendations and impressions and other information. It is common to retain/process about 25% of the information during an office visit.   If you have memory problems, bringing a close friend or family member will fill in the essential information.
  3. Bring a list of questions or problems or observations so that your concerns are mentioned/addressed. It is easy to forget to mention important things unless you have a list of questions/ concerns.
  4. Take notes or get a printout of the provider’s recommendations or even record their recommendations on your cell phone. This will allow better understanding of the problems identified and the recommended treatment and identified concerns and follow-up needed.
  5. Find out when you are to return for another visit before leaving the office if possible. Get the schedule for testing.  Call back to the office if you have not heard back about the time and place for expected additional testing.  If you have not heard back about testing times, return a call.

Your preparation and active participation make a big difference in the outcome and success of the visit.    These contributions from you will enhance the situation for both you and your providers.