3 Things to do Before You See Your Doctor

Some of us have great doctors. We can ask anything and they take the time to answer all our questions. However, doctors don’t always have time to answer all our questions. Why? Doctors who take insurance get paid according to a fee schedule from the insurance company. This fee is often much lower than what she or he would charge without insurance. In order to make up for these lower fees, doctors have to see more patients.

How does this affect you and getting your questions answered? Well, often, appointment times are reduced and there isn’t a lot of time between patients. When you have questions or need more explanation about what they are telling you, you might feel frustrated and upset, leaving with no real idea of what you were told to do.

It’s not just frustrating. It can cause problems if you don’t understand what you are supposed to do when you leave. Doctors sometimes use medical terms that you likely don’t understand or they’re telling you a number of things fairly fast and you can’t get them all down or remember them when you get out the door.

So, what can you do?

1. Think about your questions ahead of time and write them down. All of them. Before you go to your appointment, prioritize them so your most important question is first, then second and then third. If time runs out, at least you have your most important question(s) answered.

2. Record the appointment on your phone so you don’t have to worry about missing important information she or he is telling you. Let your doc know what you are doing and why because some doctors may have a problem with this. You can call ahead and let the front desk person or other medical personnel know what you want to do and why.

3. Make sure you keep good records of your blood sugars and what you are eating. Bring this information with you to your appointment with copies for your doctor. Having this information helps them make decisions around changes in your treatment protocol, especially around diabetic medications and/or insulin.

I’m thinking of doing a workshop on how to talk with your doctor to get your questions answered if there is enough interest. If you are interested, please type DOC in the comments or direct message me.

Dr Elaine

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice about a specific medical condition.

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