I have heard of many different experiences when going to a doctor’s appointment, one of the most common experiences sounds like this:
- Check-in, on-time if not early.
- Sit in the waiting area and read a magazine that’s 6-12 months old.
- Check watch and see that its already ten minutes past your scheduled appointment
- Go back to reading and ten minutes later you get called back to see the doc.
- The doc greets you cordially and asks how things are, and you tell them what’s going on. During this time you get a bunch of “mhmm’s” and “ok’s” or “I see”.
- You are examined as the doc dictates notes to another person in the room or on their own.
- The doc tells you it could be “such and such or such and such or whatchamacallit, let’s get some test done, and don’t do this (insert activity) until I see you again”.
- You then go to the front desk where the receptionist schedules your MRI/CT etc. which is in 4 weeks.
- You leave the office late, confused not really sure of what is wrong or how to get better, you are upset because you feel you were rushed in and out because they were behind schedule. You don’t know when your next doctor appointment is or what this test you are going to have entails.
Has this ever happened to you during a doctor’s visit? I know that it has happened to me. Now there is no magical way to make sure that you are seen at your scheduled appointment time, but I can assist you with making sure you get the most out of your next appointment.
Try to understand that though they are your doctor it is a business, they have to pay taxes and employees so they need to be efficient. The doctor does not mean to rush you in and out or intend to leave you confused, they gather the information they need and tell you the information that “THEY THINK, YOU NEED” and then they go attend to their next patient, this not being a bad doctor this is being efficient, so they can be on schedule. The problem with the physician telling you what they think you need to know is that there is a difference between what they think you need to know and what you want to know. This is where you must do your part at the doctor’s appointment, you must speak up!
Many physicians have a very high level of educational and problem solving intelligence but can lack empathy at times. In turn they can figure out what’s wrong with you through a specific battery of information and test, but in turn sometimes they forget you are more than a pathology and that you are a specific person. There is no excuse for that but you may have to force that understanding on the physician.
Your doctor isn’t a psychic, they do not know what you are thinking or that you don’t understand and are confused. You as a patient need to tell them and express your concerns. If you want more information then ask for it. They work for you! You need to be honest and frank with your doctor. There is no need to be worried about telling them something secretive, they have probably heard it before, (trust me I have heard a few stories) and besides there are laws that require them to be great secret keepers.
If you don’t ask questions because you think the doctor is in a rush, STOP BEING SO POLITE, they are in the service industry, you are paying them, lots of money at that. No need to be that polite, now I am not saying be a jerk, but this is a business transaction and you need to get certain information to fully understand what is going on with your health. Besides, you most likely did not see the doctor until after your scheduled appointment; at no fault of your own get your time back. Leaving an appointment unsure of what is wrong can cause you a lot of stress, which has its own health consequences.
The following are the questions you need answered before leaving your doctor’s office and the approach you need to take.
Questions
- What is wrong (specifically not just name of injury)
- Dr. should show you with a model or on the MRI/CT etc.
- How did this happen?
- How can it be prevented?
- Is this common?
- What is the next step?
- If diagnostic testing
- What does test do?
- How long is test?
- What is the exact procedure?
- Will it definitely tell us what’s wrong or will I possibly have to get more test?
- What should I do to help with recovery in the mean time? (there should be an answer other than “nothing”)
- If no diagnostic testing
- Are you sure it is what you think it is or will a diagnostic test verify?
- Should I do rehab?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- Will it be a hard and painful process
- Do I need a prescription?
- Is this a must or optional?
- What are the side effects?
- Is there anything I should stop doing?
- Are there any other options?
Some other things to consider:
- Have these question ready prior to your visit
- Properly, completely and honestly fill out the office paperwork
- Don’t leave without a follow up appointment
- Don’t leave without getting your prescription or making sure it is called in.
- If have a prescription get it filled immediately, quicker treatment equals quicker recovery.
This should ensure that you have all the information that you need to feel comfortable with your appointment and the upcoming steps you will take to better health. On a side note, I have to recommend, DO NOT GO ON WEBMD to try and diagnose yourself. There is too much information that needs to be assessed to diagnose a problem. Going on Webmd will only give you terrors and scare the day light out of you with most likely a poor self-diagnosis.
Remember do not be afraid to ask questions and do not be too polite, it is the business of your health and you need these answers to feel comfortable, your health means a lot more to you than it does to them.
Please consult your physician prior to implementing any the strategies discussed or engaging in an exercise plan.