During your doctors appointment

How can we partner with our doctor to get the best results?  During your doctor’s appointment:

1.      Tell your doctor about any changes in your health status since your last visit.  For example, if you have lost or gained weight (without changing your eating habits), tell your doctor. If you can no longer climb stairs without having to stop and catch your breath, tell your doctor.   If you are unsure of the best way to talk to your doctor, practice at home before you go to the appointment. 

2.      Tell your doctor the truth.  Don’t let your embarrassment about your life style interfere with your health.  Tell your doctor about drug usage, whether you smoke and other lifestyle behaviors that affect your health.

3.      Does the doctor need to examine you?  If you are uncomfortable about the exam, ask that the nurse be present.  If having your trusted family member with you during the exam makes you feel more comfortable, ask if that person can stay with you.  More next time about partnering with our doctor.

4.  Be patient if you have to wait.  If we could follow our doctors around, we would find that they are very busy people.  Often they grab a bite of lunch on the drive from office to hospital.  They have many demands on their time.  I know it's not easy to wait (I'm not especially patient at waiting either) but you will get more help and satisfaction from your dr. appointment if you are patient and pleasant when you see your doctor.