Simplify Your Doctor Visits, Part 2

As I stated in the previous post, I will give you some helpful steps to ensure adequate information exchange. I'm sure you all have experienced this scenario: You schedule an appointment, You then must wait in the waiting room, many times longer than you think is necessary, filling out endless forms, only to finally get in and spend about 3 minutes with the doctor...you had questions but with the rush, you could't remember what to ask. I am going to tell you the same thing as in the previous post: Write it down!!! You must obtain adequate information in order to manage your healthcare! In today's world, you need to educate yourself about your healthcare, be involved and take charge.

Write it down:
In addition to your questions also document your health history, it will help you in establishing a baseline for your new doctor. Below are suggested items to include in your list of questions:

1. Document all your health conditions, when that condition developed and ended (if applicable), what type of treatment you have received and whether it is ongoing. This is a critical step to go with the medication list.
2. Create a list to take with you to the doctor visit; write down all your questions, concerns, etc. In a subsequent post I will list several items that are critical to know in order to to adequately manage your healthcare.
3. Take the list with you to the appointment (make a copy before you come).
4. Depending on your condition, etc. may determine how to get your questions answered. If there are only a few questions, you may be able to ask them while you are with the doctor.
5. Usually, your best action it to tell the nurse that brought you in that you have several questions for the doctor.
6. Many times you can give the nurse the list and they will present it to the doctor prior to entering the room. This gives the doctor enough time to realize that he/she will need to spend a little more time. Additionally, they may be able to answer some of them prior to entering the exam room.
7. You can use the information provided to search the internet for additional info.
8. Keep up with that list of questions and answers so you can compare over time...at some point you may need to refer to it.

Eight steps to an efficient doctor's appointment. Of course, this would also be applicable for other types of healthcare professionals, for example Physical therapy, chiropractor, any of your specialists.

Once again, I have placed a template on my web site for your reference. www.ezhealthcareonline.com

I hope this helps you in some way. I know it has definitely helped me! Thanks for your time.

Alice