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HEALTH MATTERS: Do’s and Don’ts at the Doctor’s

By Erinn E. Beagin, M.D. Special to The Packet
    Taking a proactive approach and preparing in advance for an upcoming doctor’s visit can help you make the most of your time and your physician’s. That’s extremely important in today’s busy world, so be sure to consider these do’s and don’ts for a doctor’s visit:
    Do be specific when making your appointment. Telling the scheduler why you want to see the doctor helps ensure enough time is allotted and enables the doctor to review your records and prepare for your visit ahead of time. When making your appointment, ask if you can fill out any necessary paperwork in advance.
    Don’t forget your insurance card, identification and co-pay. Verify that the office has your most up-to- date billing information.
    Do write it down and ask questions. Before your visit, write down the top three things you want to talk to your doctor about. This ensures you don’t forget anything when you’re in the exam room. When asking questions, let the doctor know if you don’t understand something or need clarification. Ask the doctor to speak more slowly if he or she is talking too fast.
    Don’t be embarrassed. Keep in mind that whatever you tell or show the doctor, he or she is guaranteed to have seen worse. Be up front. Don’t wait until the doctor’s hand is on the door to leave before getting to the real reason for your visit.
    Do make a list of your current prescriptions. Or better yet, bring in the bottles and boxes for your doctor to review. Having a full picture of the medications you’re taking is key to establishing an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
    Do have your test results sent over in advance. This helps maximize how time is spent the day of your appointment.
    Do bring a buddy with whom you are comfortable sharing your personal medical information. This is especially important for older adults who may have trouble hearing what the doctor is explaining. An extra set of ears is also helpful when dealing with serious conditions like cancer or heart disease, when emotions can understandably cause you to forget nearly everything the doctor said.
    Don’t self-diagnose. It’s one thing to be informed, but it’s another to go the doctor with your mind already made up about your diagnosis. Instead, be prepared to describe your symptoms in your own words and to keep an open mind.
    Do leave with a plan of action. Make sure you have all your questions answered. Know what tests you need and where to go to get them. Confirm that you have your prescriptions. And most importantly, know when you are due back and schedule the appointment before you leave.
    Additionally, here are some general questions you should ask when visiting a doctor’s office for the first time:
    • What are your hours and do you see patients on evenings and weekends?
    • What is your policy about calling patients back with the results of lab work?
    • What is the best way to get in touch if I have a simple question?
    • What hospital do you admit to?
    • How do you manage prescriptions?
    Keeping these questions and do’s and don’ts in mind will ensure you’re prepared, so that you can make the most out of your visit to the doctor’s office every time.
    Princeton HealthCare System, through its Community Education & Outreach Program, will host a discussion titled “How to Make the Most of Your Doctor’s Visit” from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct., 14 at 731 Alexander Road, Suite 103, West Windsor. To register for the free session or for more information, visit www.princetonhcs.org/ calendar or call 888-897-8979.
Erinn E. Beagin, M.D., is board-certified in internal and geriatric medicine. She is a member of the medical staff at University Medical Center at Princeton.