Do Your Homework Before Your Next Visit to the Doctor

Going to the doctor can be stressful, especially if you have a health concern that needs attention. You may feel anxious, confused, or overwhelmed by the information you receive or the questions you have to answer. But don’t worry, you can make the most of your doctor’s visit by doing some homework beforehand. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your next appointment and get the best possible care.

Prioritize your concerns and create a list of what you’d like to discuss

Do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order of importance and ask about the most urgent ones first. Don’t leave out any details about how you are feeling or what is bothering you.

Highlight new symptoms your doctor may not be aware of

If you experience any physical change that is concerning, such as pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss or gain, skin changes, or vision problems, don’t wait. Tell your doctor about them as soon as possible.

Be prepared for your doctor’s visit – have any medical tests scheduled ahead of your visit completed

Some doctors may order tests or procedures before your visit to get more information about your condition or rule out other possibilities. Make sure you follow their instructions and complete them before your appointment. This will help your doctor make a more accurate diagnosis and save time during your visit.

Avoid “Dr. Internet” and resist seeking information from medical resources that are outdated and from unknown sources or groups

The internet can be a useful tool for finding health information, but not all websites, apps, books, magazines, and podcasts are trustworthy or accurate. Some of them may be outdated, biased, misleading, or even harmful. Before you rely on any source of health information, check its quality and credibility. If you are unsure about the reliability of a source of health information, ask your doctor for their opinion or recommendation.

Be your own advocate. Don’t be afraid to share what you’ve researched from trusted medical sources

If you have done some research on your condition or treatment options from trusted medical sources, don’t hesitate to share it with your doctor. It may help them understand your concerns better and provide more personalized care. However, don’t assume that everything you read online is true or applicable to your situation. Your doctor has the expertise and experience to evaluate the information and advise you on what is best for you.

Talk to your doctor about new treatments and medications to learn if they are right for you

Medical science is constantly evolving and discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and conditions. You may hear about new treatments or medications that sound promising or appealing to you. Before you try them out, talk to your doctor about their benefits and risks, how they work, how they may interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, and how they may affect your daily life. Your doctor can help you weigh the pros and cons and decide if they are right for you.

Take notes, ask questions if you don’t understand and summarize what you learned before you leave

During your visit, it is important to pay attention to what your doctor says and ask questions if you don’t understand something. You can also take notes or record the conversation for future reference. Before you leave, summarize what you learned and what you need to do next. For example, you can say: “So, you are saying that I have high blood pressure and I need to take this medication once a day, cut down on salt, and exercise more. Is that right?” This will help you clarify any confusion and confirm that you and your doctor are on the same page.