Make the most of your doctor’s visit: 12 essential tips

Read time: 3 minutes

Read online

Good morning, 66.1ers.

This is the slot we like to reserve for a July Q&A issue. And we’re going to do that, but this month will look a bit different from previous months. This question came up a few times this month, and it provoked a strong reader response when mentioned in Wednesday’s issue. 

Whether you’re a healthy 31-year-old going to the doctor for the first time in 10 years, or a 63-year-old with an incurable cancer diagnosis (both conversations I had this week), we’re going to answer the question, “What do I need to do to make the most of my doctor’s appointment?”

It’s important you’re prepared going in, because there’s no time to waste. The average primary care visit lasts just 18 minutes.

Before You Go

1. Do your research

Write down everything: current symptoms (even minor ones), medications and supplements, family medical history, and any changes in sleep, energy, or mood. If you have access to your records and previous appointment notes via an online portal, review these. Use this information to formulate questions for your doctor.

2. Prioritize Your Concerns

Doctors have limited time, so lead with what matters most to you. If this feels like you’re shortchanging yourself, write down everything you’d like to discuss if you had 3 hours. Then rank them in order of importance so you don't forget once you're in the room.. Choose the top 3. If there truly are 10 important issues you’d like to discuss, ask your doctor if it’s ok to schedule a follow up or if it’s ok you send a few more questions via portal message if your provider has this service. 

3. Gather your stuff 

Bring insurance cards, ID, previous medical records, test results from other doctors, and a complete list of medications with dosages.

This list will save a lot of time. When the nurse starts to ask about your current medications, hand them the list you prepared beforehand. Everyone will be happier. Arrive 15-20 minutes early for paperwork.

4. Bring Backup 

For important appointments, bring a trusted friend or family member. They can help you remember information, ask questions you might forget, and provide emotional support. Thanks to Karla, a 66.1er who replied to Wednesday’s issue suggesting that if the person you’d like to have join you at your appointment isn’t able to attend, you call them on speakerphone so they can listen in.

During Your Visit

5. Take notes 

Take notes or ask if you can record the conversation. When you're stressed or receiving a lot of information, it's easy to forget crucial details later. I’ve listened to recordings of appointments with loved ones, and we both came across information we’d missed the first time through. 

6. Embrace the "Dumb" Question 

Ask for clarification if anything is unclear. Request that medical terms be explained in everyday language. A good doctor wants you to understand your health. Hold your doctor to Richard Feynman’s standard that “specialized language should wait until it is needed.” Big words don’t make a person smarter. The smartest people can explain big ideas with small words.

7. Be Honest 

Don't minimize symptoms, hide embarrassing issues, or "tough it out." Doctors have heard everything, and incomplete information leads to incomplete care. I once went through a series of blood tests because I had an abnormally high red blood cell count. We were looking for cancer and major organ dysfunction. I appreciated the thoroughness of the workup. As it turns out, though, this all could have been avoided by a more thorough conversation before referring me to testing. 

I had been living at 8,000 feet elevation in Colorado. The air has less oxygen. In response, the body creates more red blood cells to transport what oxygen there is in the air. A perfectly normal, healthy response. 

More information can save you a lot of time and worry. 

Smart Questions to Always Ask

9. "What Should I Be Watching For?" 

Ask about warning signs that should prompt immediate care, and find out what preventive screenings you need based on your age and family history.

Subscribe to our premium content to read the rest.