Your doctor is there to help you be your healthiest. However, even routine visits can sometimes be overwhelming. That’s why it can be helpful to plan ahead. Then you can leave each appointment feeling more confident about what your doctor said and how you should move forward.
Before your Visit
Whether you’re having an in-person or virtual visit, experiencing symptoms or simply need an annual physical, it helps your appointment run smoothly if you do the following things beforehand:
- Make a list of prescriptions or products you take. Write down everything you take and how much you take each day, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Think about including a family member or friend. They can help you think of questions for your doctor or review information with you after your appointment. They may even be able to participate in a virtual visit.
- Write down questions you want to ask your doctor. Once you’re at your appointment it can be easy to forget something you wanted to ask, such as:
- What can I do to prevent or delay health problems?
- Should I make any changes to improve my health?
- Are there tests or screenings I should have, based on my age or other risk factors?
- Do I need to come back for another visit?
Regular preventive care is an important part of keeping your health on track.
Plus, it’s covered by your health plan.
Preventive Care vs. Diagnostic Care
- You can stay up to date on preventive care even when you’re healthy. Annual physicals and preventive screenings can help you stay healthy and detect any problems early.
- You receive diagnostic care when you’re having symptoms of a health problem. This type of care may include appointments with your doctor and tests used to diagnose an issue so it can be treated.
Understanding a Diagnosis
If you go to the doctor for diagnostic care, make sure you understand your condition and your doctor’s plan of care before leaving. Asking your doctor the following questions may help you better understand your diagnosis:
- What’s the name of the condition?
- What may have caused this condition?
- How long is this condition expected to last?
- How will this problem affect me long-term?
- How can this issue be treated or managed?
- Where can I learn more about this condition?
Don’t Leave until you Feel Confident
If your appointment is ending and you’re still unsure about your condition or what you’re supposed to do next, don’t leave without asking your doctor these questions:
1. What is the main issue?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important that I do this?
It’s important that you understand what’s happening so you can feel confident in how to move forward.
