A Trip to the Doctor or Why Do I Hate Doing This?

May 9, 10:39 AMHealth Care ExaminerDoctor Lissa

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Today, I thought we’d take a trip to the doctor.  You know what that’s like.  You wait and wait and when you get in there it seems like you get the bums rush. Most people leave with a prescription or samples, but have no idea what they’re for.  At the end of this exercise, we’re asked for a co-pay or the entire physicians fee or told to make appointments with specialists we’ve never heard of.  If you ask many people what the doctor or nurse practitioner said, they can’t tell you.  

If you read leading magazines, especially those written for parents or families, they will give you advice about going to the doctor.  Some of it is actually good.  First they tell you to have a list of questions for the doctor or NP because we all know they will ask if you have any questions.  We’re even told to write them down so we won’t forget.  Not bad advice especially if you’ve ever had that deer in the headlights feeling leaving the office. Next, we’re told to bring in a list of medications so they know what we’re taking.  This is a good idea, but doesn’t go far enough.  Finally, we’re told to stand up for our rights and make it clear that we won’t wait longer than 10 minutes and if we do, we’ll bill the doctor for OUR time.  This is one of my favorites because it ensures that you will have a really bad relationship with the doctor and even worse, the office staff.

So, let’s take the advice, point by point.  First, it is wise to have a list of questions to ask the doctor or NP.  Write them down and write down the answers as well.  If you have a friend or family member who can go with you, by all means have them in there especially if you are expecting a diagnosis that is new or might require complicated care.  It’s always better to have two sets of ears, especially when yours are terrified. 

Next, bring your medications, not just a list.  Put the bottles in a bag and bring them in with you.  If you are taking supplemental drugs or vitamins, include them.  And if you are doing anything else; eating special foods, herbs or drinking teas, be sure you tell them.  Often we’re not asked about alternative treatment but whether you are asked or not, tell the truth.  Most people who are using over the counter drugs or alternative treatments are afraid to tell that they are.  It’s ok,  your doctor or NP just needs to know to make sure there are no drug interactions or complications as a result. 

Finally, show up a bit early for your appointment.  Be sure they know you’re there and bring something to read in case you have to wait awhile. Whatever you do, don’t alienate the staff.  You want them to care about you, not think you’re a jerk. I know the magazines tell you to stand up for yourself and demand your rights but this is not the time. In the next post we’ll discuss why time is so important and then I think some of this will begin to make sense.