Make the Most of Your Visits with Your Healthcare Provider
By Kathy Ferguson, RN, Parish Nurse
And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:15
Have you ever been at an appointment with your primary care or specialty provider and when the brief visit ended, you realized that you didn’t ask something that you had intended? I know that I have. We wait for our appointment for days or weeks or months and before you know it, it’s over. More than once, as I was driving home I realized that I didn’t ask an important question. It’s frustrating. This month’s column will focus on how to approach your healthcare visits and how to make the most of them.
The following tips are based on suggestions from the National Institute on Aging and an article in the Fall 2017 Church Health Reader:
Prepare for your visit
Ahead of time, think through what you would like to discuss. Make a list, prioritizing from most important to least important. Know that if you have a list of ten items, it is unlikely that you will be able to cover all of them in a 20-minute appointment.
Fill out any forms that you have been asked to complete in advance and bring them with you.
Become familiar with your family medical history.
Bring a list of all of the medications you take, including the dose. This list should include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements.
Speak up
Don’t put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment—bring them up right away! Say, “There’s something I want to be sure I have a chance to say.”
Let your healthcare provider know what has happened in your life since your last visit. Things to bring up include: Visits to the emergency room, illnesses, surgical procedures, and any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level.
Be honest
Don’t hide embarrassing symptoms. Even when discussing medications, don’t diminish the side effects that might be making your life uncomfortable—a healthcare provider cannot treat what he or she is not aware of.
Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible
Remember to take your eyeglasses to the visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well and wear it. Let the provider and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing.
Be sure you understand
Ask for clarification when you need to. For example, “So my choices are X or Y and you think X is best because…” or “If I decide I’d rather wait to do the test, my risk is… ”
Take notes during your visit or ask the provider to write things down for you.
Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss if you forget. She or he can take notes for you and can help you remember what was said.
Double-check
Most providers will ask, “Do you have any questions?” at the close of the visit. Double-check to see that you asked all your priority questions.
Make sure you leave with instructions for what follow-up forms or tests you will be responsible for and when to schedule your next appointment.
By following these tips, you can get the most out of your medical appointment. Stay healthy!