Getting the most from your appointments
I know you are sick and tired; of feeling sick and tired. From the other side of the exam table, I’d like to give you a provider’s perspective so you can best advocate for yourself.
The current model of mainstream western medicine is simply to see as many patients as possible in a single day. This leaves both providers and patients frustrated and dissatisfied; and, ultimately, leads to burn out for both. This system is destined fail. Patients should feel like a person, not a number.
So, as a patient, how can you make the most of your time with your provider? Showing up 15 minutes early to check in and fill out paperwork helps tremendously with flow and efficiency. There is always paperwork to be done during a first visit. You’ll fill out forms quickly and easily if you bring the following information:
A list of current, accurate medication, that includes the name, dosage, and frequency of each medication, as well as the reason you are taking it. This can be written down on a piece of paper; or tracked via an app on your phone. Heck, I don’t even care if you bring a plastic bag of all of your prescriptions and supplements in it! It’s so important to avoid medication errors and unwanted interactions, and this is the best way to ensure that. Rather than needing to go track down that information later, providing a complete, accurate list will not only prevent delays in your care, but it also allows your provider to make the best treatment decisions for you. Good information leads to good treatment plans!
A list of medications you have tried in the past (especially if it is relevant for the condition in which you are currently seeking treatment), and why you stopped it (if you had side effects or an allergic reaction for example), it is very helpful to know. That allows us to jump through some of the insurance hoops faster and get you to the best medication or treatment possible, as soon as possible.
A list of your top 2-3 most pressing questions that I can help answer.
The number one most concerning symptom that you want addressed during our visit. We all deal with multiple symptoms and concerns, but your specialist is most valuable to you when they can hone in on their area of expertise. Knowing what is most important to your quality of life right now will help your provider get to the root cause of that symptom fastest: they can order the most relevant lab work or ask questions about your medical history that haven’t been explored during more general visits. (A urologist, for example, won’t have much insight on your thyroid medication.)
A list of any allergies to medications or foods, as well as a list of any surgeries you have had along with the year (approximately) you had the surgery.
Radiology reports, recent lab work, or any other relevant testing done. Please note that none of our computers have CD readers on them, so the radiology report itself is the fastest way to make an assessment. (And we’ll cross our fingers that one day radiology converts to using thumb drives!)
A brief list of any chronic conditions you have been treated for. A short, one-page health history can be extremely helpful and save a lot of time.
A family member or friend who knows you well and can help corroborate the health history, drive you home after the appointment if needed, and offer an outside viewpoint.
Having a book, magazine, or noise-blocking headphones on hand can be helpful. Use the time you may be waiting to be seen to relax, breathe, and enjoy a moment of downtime. Enjoy the breather. what prompted you to seek the specific specialty’s services in the first place, or why your primary care doctor referred you here.
A sure hope and solid belief in your body’s ability to heal itself given the right tools.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING:
Lengthy articles printed off and written by Dr. Google or WebMD. They do not replace years of experience, education, and training, although they can be helpful tools when utilized properly. The majority of the time though, Dr. Google has induced a lot of unnecessary anxiety and angst sadly.
MOST IMPORTANTLY:
The last things to bring with you—hope and patience. Exercise patience in the process; medicine is often a matter of trial and error—that’s why we call it practice—and sometimes it takes a few tries to find what works for you. Despite what you may have experienced in the past, the majority of those in the healthcare profession have a goal to get you better, improve your quality of life, and restore your health. I am overjoyed when my patients come back and tell me they are feeling better. Don’t lose hope. Keep advocating for yourself. Get a second opinion, or a third opinion if needed. You may feel like you are climbing Mt. Everest to get your health back, but I will be your guide, and will help you get the right team and equipment so you succeed in your climb.
