7 Tips to Make the Most of Your Doctors Appointment
In today’s fast-paced health care environment, physicians, patients, and family caregivers are work together to best manage health conditions and make treatment decisions. Thrive USA has gathered several tips about how you can plan and feel more at ease during your appointments. Special Note: During the COVID-19 crisis, additional steps are taken by the doctor’s offices and clinics to keep patients safe. Call ahead to find out whether someone else can join you for your appointment during this time.
Arrive on Time for Your Appointment
Show up 15 to 20 minutes early for your appointment (or know how to connect and sign in advance if it’s virtual). Doing this will allow you plenty of time to check-in and check your vitals (such as your height, weight, and blood pressure). Early arrival will also help you have as much time with your physician as possible, enabling them to stay on schedule. Being on time will also make you feel less hurried or anxious about your appointment.
Write down your Questions
It’s so common-you’re going out for a doctor’s appointment and plan to address some concerns, but leave the office having forgotten to ask questions. Write down a list of questions and bring it along to help you jog your memory. Writing your questions down will also help you prioritize them so that you know what to ask first.
Create a Health Binder
Binders are a great tool to help keep you organized. Everything has a dedicated spot that helps you be accountable and stay on track. The caregivers at Thrive USA have created binders for our clients that include prescription lists, insurance cards, and sections to keep track of changes in behavior.
Bring a List of Your Medications
Keep the list up to date so that you can share it with each of your healthcare providers. This list should include all prescription, dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins, and any over-the-counter medicines. This will help prevent drug side effects and interactions.
Honesty is the Best Policy
Be honest — many medical conditions are difficult to discuss, particularly in person. But you should not feel shy or ashamed to speak to your provider about it. Doctors can test your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, etc. however, some details, such as your activity level, alcohol intake, memory issues, depression, or you have taken some falls, can only come from you. Honesty is undoubtedly the best policy — especially for your health.
Speak Up
If you are unclear about the doctor’s directions for your diagnosis, prescribed treatment, or medication, ask your doctor to clarify it again. You may also request written and clear instructions, printed brochures, or a link to online information, so that you will have access to this information after you leave your appointment.
Bring Your Caregiver
Families who use home caregivers should know that home care is not just at home! Thrive USA caregivers can provide transportation to your appointment as well as join you or your loved one at an appointment.
We are working to assist current clients at this time and are accepting new clients to help families take care of their loved ones in the comfort of their homes. We are located in New Market, MD, and serve all of Maryland. Please contact us if you are interested in starting home care services or have any questions about our person-centered approach to care.