Going to the doctor isn't necessarily everyone's favorite thing to do, but there are some things we do as patients that can negatively impact your appointment, instead of getting the most out of it. Things that frustrate doctors.
Here are 10 things to avoid doing at your next appointment:
1. When patients reveal a problem as the visit is ending. Doctor's appointments are limited and they ask you multiple times (before and during) if you have any concerns you want to address with the doctor. Don't wait until the doctor is halfway out the door to bring up an issue.
2. When patients are on the phone during their appointment. Doctor-patient time is limited and can get backed up because of emergencies, etc. A patient on the phone can further add to the scheduling pileup. Don't be that person.
3. When patients suggest they already know everything about a health topic because they’ve Googled it. It's important to be your own advocate, but chances are Google doesn't know more that your doctor. Keep an open mind during your appointment. Ask questions and challenge your doctor to clear up topics that you're confused about, but also trust their expertise. They went to school for this.
4. When patients try to squeeze multiple appointments into one visit. Don't try to squeeze in a physical while you're at the appointment for a specific concern. That should be in a separate/ follow up appointment. Not only can that throw off the doctor's schedule, but insurance might not allow it.
5. When patients don’t prioritize what problems they want to bring up. If you bring in a laundry list of concerns, something might get missed. Prioritize & have no more than 3 things to discuss with your doc. Then make a follow-up to address the other concerns.
6. When patients aren’t truthful about their medications or health habits. Don't hold back out of shame, it's important your doctor knows every thing your do/take to give you the best possible care.
7. When patients are late for appointments. Again, timing. When you're late it throws off their schedule and you might end up waiting longer or the doctor might have to rush through your visit.
8. When patients switch from one doctor to the next without reason. You're basically starting over when you switch to a new doctor. That can essentially delay your treatment even more, especially if a doctor needs to see you overtime to see how you react to certain medicines.
*If you don't feel like your getting adequate care, or being heard, you should definitely find someone you feel more comfortable with
9. When patients don’t bring a list of the medications they’re taking. Doctors need to know what your'e taking to make sure what they prescribe won't interfere or have an adverse reaction.
10. When patients don’t communicate outside of appointments. If you don't get to every concern, make another appointment to follow-up or send an email to address your concerns.