Get the most out of doctor visits
To get the most out of visits to your doctor,
you need to do some homework. It is a good idea to think about
your visit in advance and know what your goals are for the
visit.
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Prepare a list of questions
ahead of time. Write them down and bring them with you
to the doctor's office so you don't forget what you wanted
to ask your doctor. |
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Put all of your medications
and supplements that you are taking (including vitamins
and over-the-counter medications) into a bag to take with
you to your doctor visit, or bring along a written list
of your medications and supplements so your doctor will
know what you are taking. |
During your doctor appointment, ask questions
until you completely understand any diagnosis, prescriptions
or instructions your physician gives you. Ask for instructions
in writing to avoid confusion later. Ask where you can get
more information if you have questions later. Remember—there
are no dumb questions when it comes to your health! The Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality provides a list of questions
to ask your doctor about different aspects of care.
After your appointment, follow through on
your doctor's orders and get prescribed tests and lab work
done. Pick up and take prescribed medications according to
directions. If something does not make sense to you or if
you have concerns about possible side effects, ask your pharmacist
or call your doctor's office to get answers to your questions;
or seek a second opinion. The federal Agency
for Healthcare Research and Quality has summaries for patients
that explain effective health treatments for selected conditions.
These summaries are based on expert reviews of medical research.
You can use this information to confirm what your doctor is
telling you or to help you know what questions to ask about
prescribed treatments.
Resources
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