Ever stepped out of a doctor’s room feeling confused and unsure of what to do next? Consulting a doctor is like an exam. You must prepare for it well to get the best results. Forgetting to carry relevant reports, not listing down your queries, shying away from asking the doctor to explain things are all potent ingredients for dissatisfaction.
Whether it is a routine doctor visit to your general practitioner or a visit to a specialist, keeping some things in mind can help your doctor diagnose your problem accurately and solve all your queries.
#1 Decide What You Want
Determine the purpose of your doctor consultation.
– Is it a preventive visit?
– Are you looking for a diagnosis?
– Do you want to discuss your treatment plan?
– Do you want to share your apprehensions and doubts with the doctor?
Knowing what you want out of the visit will help you stay focused and ask the doctor relevant questions.
#2 Do Your Homework
– List down your symptoms and questions.
– Note the medications and supplements you are on, whether prescribed or over-the-counter.
– Gather reports of prescribed tests and your latest medical reports that you think might be relevant.
Being prepared can help you get the most out of your doctor consultations. It is also a good idea to invest in a dedicated OPD health plan such as Day2Day Care, that offers unlimited cashless doctor consultations at network centers.
#3 Take a Friend or Family Member Along
It is useful to have company while going to the doctor.
– Sometimes, doctors order imaging or blood tests to be done immediately.
A friend can help you out in matters such as billing, collecting reports and so on.
– A friend can remind you of questions you may want to ask and of symptoms you wanted to share.
– You can clarify doubts about anything the doctor said or prescribed with your friend or family.
#4 Share It All
Don’t shy away from sharing your symptoms, no matter how strange, irrelevant or gross they might seem to you.
– Share the symptoms in a chronological order, from what went wrong first to your current discomfort.
– Let the doctor know which factors seem to aggravate your symptoms and what offers relief.
#5 Ask Questions
It is extremely important for you to ask essential questions.
– Understand the diagnosis well.
– Don’t leave it to your chemist to figure out your doctor’s prescription . Ask the doctor to tell you the names of the medicines and the dosage.
– Ask your doctor what he aims to evaluate through prescribed medical tests, if any.
The next time you need to visit the doctor, step in well prepared and unafraid to ask questions so that when you step out of the doctor’s room, you have a reassured smile on your face, knowing what to do to get back to good health!