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Whether this is your first time seeing a new doctor or you’ve been going to the same one for years, coming into your appointment with a game plan can help you make the most of your time there. You and your doctor will be able to discuss everything that needs to be discussed thanks to the advice in this article.
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Make A List Of Your Concerns And Prioritize Them
Put in writing the topics that you want to discuss. For instance, are you interested in discussing a recent symptom with your primary care physician? Do you want to get vaccinated against the flu? Are you concerned about how a treatment will influence your day-to-day activities? If you want to discuss more than a couple of different topics, you should list them in order of importance and begin with the one that is at the top of the list. It is best not to wait until the very end of your appointment to discuss the things that are truly bothering you at this time. Immediately get to work on it! If you have a specific medical condition, consulting reliable websites like mesotheliomahope.com can assist you in determining potential problems.
Take Information To The Doctor With You
Some medical professionals recommend that you carry all of your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements, in a single bag at all times. There are those who recommend keeping a journal in which you record everything you consume and in what quantity. You should also bring your insurance cards, the names and phone numbers of any other physicians that you see, and your medical records if the doctor does not already have them.
Consider Taking A Family Member Or Friend With You
Sometimes it helps to go with a close family member or friend. Tell your relative or friend ahead of time what you want to get out of your visit. If you forget what you were going to talk about with the doctor, your friend can remind you. She or he can write down what the doctor said and help you remember it.
Don’t let your partner have too much power. You and the doctor are the only ones there. You might want some alone time with the doctor to talk about private things. During or right after the physical exam, if you and the doctor are alone, this could be a good time to talk about personal issues. Or, you could ask a friend or family member to wait in the waiting room with you for part of the appointment. For best results, tell your partner ahead of time how he or she can help you the most.
Keep In Touch With Your Doctor
Tell your doctor what’s been going on since you last saw him or her. Tell the doctor right away if you went to the emergency room or saw a specialist. Tell them about any changes in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Tell the doctor if any of the medicines you take have changed or if they have made you feel differently. Use these worksheets to keep track of what you want to ask your doctor and what information you want to share.
Make Sure You Can See And Hear As Well As Possible
Many people over 60 wear glasses or need hearing aids. Don’t forget to bring your glasses to the eye doctor. If you have a hearing aid, wear it and make sure it works well. Tell the doctor and the staff if you can’t see or hear well. For example, you might say, “It’s hard for me to understand everything you’re saying because of my hearing. It really helps if you talk slowly and look at me when you talk.”
Ask For An Interpreter If You Need Help
If the doctor you chose or were sent to doesn’t speak your language, ask the doctor’s office to send an interpreter. Even though some English-speaking doctors know basic medical terminology in Spanish or other languages, you may feel more at ease speaking in your own language, especially when talking about sensitive topics like sexuality or depression. Call the doctor’s office ahead of time to make sure an interpreter will be there.
Always tell the doctor, your interpreter, or a member of the staff if you don’t understand the doctor’s diagnosis or instructions. Don’t let the fact that you don’t speak the language keep you from asking questions or expressing your concerns.
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