11 Steps to a Productive Doctor Visit

Well, I'm back. Today I am going to tell you some secrets that will help your Doctor visits be more productive. Every time you go to your Doctor, it is usually difficult to get the exchange of adequate information you want or need in order to manage your health at optimum...has that happened to you? I know I have experienced this. I recently changed insurance plans due to a new employer, so I was forced to select different physicians since some of my previous doctors are not in the new plan. This was very troublesome for me since I have had the same Primary Care Physician for 28 years. During the first visit and periodically from there, they will ask for an update on your health information. I found myself repeating my health information multiple times...and if you are taking several medications it is vital that you inform them of all your medications. Can you remember all the specifics regarding each of your medications? I seem to always forget part of it if I am going from memory.

Here is my solution to both issues: Write it Down and keep it updated. Easy, right? Well, it does take some time on the front end, but saves you time on the backend. Let's start with your medication list...if your doctor is not completely informed about your current medications and your allergies, he could easily prescribe something that is not compatible with one or more current medications.

1. Gather every medication you have, even any over the counter meds such as Advil, Prilosec, sinus pills, etc)
2. Also count any herbal supplements.
3. Sort them based on the reason you are taking them...if you are going to include meds you are not currently taking, be sure to note that.
4. Write down all the information for each medication.
5. Name of Drug - common name and generic name if applicable.
6. Dosage of Drug - for example: 20 mg or 50mg.
7. The route taken - by mouth or injection (for example: Insulin, injected)
8. Reason you are taking this medication...this is very important!
9. When was it first initiated?
10. Include the ones that you just take periodically as needed, but be sure and state that on your record.
11. Record all your allergies...even if it is just hay fever.

There you go. Eleven Steps to a Productive Doctor Visit, Part 1. I will place a log on my site that you can retrieve if you want to use it. That site is www.ezhealthcareonline.com

The next post will deal with communication with your doctor...be sure and tune in!

Alice