[Dani]

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your New Doctor’s Visit
Written by: Dani
Monday, March 1st, 2010


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By Danielle Spirer

Going to a new doctor can feel intimidating or overwhelming especially when you are very ill and/or are traveling a long distance for an appointment. Therefore, to get the most out of your appointment, you want to get the attention of your new doctor right away as they themselves are often overwhelmed by the number of patients they have and their own personal lives and may not be able to spend as much time with you as you had anticipated. Here is how to get the most out of an appointment when seeing a new doctor for the first time:

Step 1: Medical records – Make photocopies of all your medical records from the past year or so prior to seeing the doctor (or as far back as your illness goes) and put them in chronological order in a binder with clear plastic sheets so that the doctor can easily flip through them. This will certainly get the doctor’s attention as he will appreciate you having saved him the time of having to track down your old medical records, and it will also help in the doctor’s differential diagnosis as he may immediately eliminate certain illnesses based upon your test results, or he may decide to repeat certain tests. Make note that anytime you have any testing done, always ask the doctor who ordered the tests or their nurse for a copy of all your test results and keep them in a safe place! As well, put a tiny red check mark (use a red pen) on the corner of your copy so that you never mix up your copy with any photocopies you may make for future doctors.

Step 2: Presenting Complaints - Along with your medical records, you should put on one or at the most two sheets of paper, your medical history which you should hand to your doctor at the beginning of your appointment along with your medical records. It would be best to type this up if you have access to a computer or typewriter. Put the date of your appointment at the top of the page and then put your full name with a list of your current symptoms (e.g., “Jane Kennedy’s Presenting Complaints”). List your symptoms in bullet points and keep them pithy. Write down anything you notice even if the symptoms may seem unrelated or even embarrassing or else you could be leaving out critical clues as to what is wrong with you.

Step 3: Medical History - Underneath your “Presenting Complaints” you would put “Jane Kennedy’s Medical History”, and then write a few paragraphs in your own words of the history of your illness. Again, keep this pithy.

Step 4: Current Medications and Supplements – Then under your “Medical History” make a list of all the medications you are currently taking (dose and how often) and then another list of all the herbal and/or vitamin supplements you are taking (dose and how often). As well, list any positive effects or side effects you have noticed from any of the medications or supplements you are taking.

Step 5: Do Your Own Research – As you often only have a small window of time with a new doctor, it would help both of you if you did some research of your own before your appointment. Go on the Internet and poke around. You may want to print out and bring with you any journal articles or anything else you find that you feel would be helpful in making a diagnosis.

Step 6: Questions – Make a list of any questions you have for the doctor and hand them to him at the beginning of your appointment. If you wait until the end of the appointment to ask lengthy questions, there may not be enough time for the doctor to address them.

Step 7: Take Notes – Bring a pad and pencil with you to your appointment and take notes while the doctor is speaking. Or, if you are not well enough to do that and are bringing a trusted family member or friend with you to sit in on your appointment, ask them to take notes for you. Write down any recommendations or orders the doctor gives you so that you do not have to call the doctor’s office after your appointment unnecessarily.

Step 8: Payment – When making your appointment, ask the receptionist what form of payment your doctor takes, and whether or not they submit insurance claims for you. If you have insurance, don’t forget to take your insurance card with you!

Step 6: Call ahead – Although many doctors’ offices call ahead to confirm appointments, some do not and others may forget. Therefore, the week of your appointment, call the doctor’s office to confirm your appointment, and make sure they have you down for the correct day and time. Secondly, oftentimes doctors run late and so, on the day of your appointment, you may want to call a few hours ahead of your appointment to see if the doctor is running behind, that way you can avoid undue time sitting in the waiting room. However, especially if you are a new patient, it is still always best to arrive at the doctor’s office at least half an hour before your appointment in case you need to fill out any forms and so you have time to collect yourself before your appointment (read over your questions and your medical history).

Step 7: Be Respectful – You should always be respectful of the doctor’s time and make it a point to show up to your appointment on time or even a little before as I mentioned. If a nurse or secretary fit you in as a favor, be sure to thank them and the doctor as well.

Step 8: Don’t Feel Intimidated – If you are feeling uncomfortable with what a doctor is recommending or how he is treating you, you don’t have to continue with him. You don’t have any obligation to follow his advice or go any further with him as a doctor. If you are feeling unduly rushed or if the doctor doesn’t look over any of the information you brought him, that is a red flag and you should probably seek out other medical advice. Unfortunately, the patient oftentimes needs to be their own best advocate. If you are too ill to think clearly, you should always try to bring a trusted family member or friend with you to your appointment.




2 Responses to “Tips to Get the Most Out of Your New Doctor’s Visit”
lasik on March 26th, 2010 at 4:25 am edit
I usually don’t leave comments on articles, but your blog post encouraged me to compliment your writings. Thank you for the read, I will tweet your post and come back occasionally.


Gary Spirer on April 8th, 2010 at 12:41 pm edit
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