How to prepare for your doctor's appointment
By Dr Rosemary Leonard
How many times have you left the doctor's surgery wishing you'd asked more questions?
There is a reason why you decide to see your doctor. You may be worried about a symptom, or
need a check-up. Sometimes the visit may be simply for the purposes of acquiring information. But
whatever the reason, it's rarely easy to get an appointment, and you may have to wait days, or
even weeks, before you can see the GP of your choice. Then when you get there, what happens - the
doctor seems busy, you're nervous, and you end up forgetting to mention a vital symptom.
To get the most from the precious time you have with your doctor, it pays to give it some
thought before you go. The more information you give (within limits!), the easier it is for your
doctor to come up with the tests or treatment you need.
Here are 10 ways you can prepare for your appointment:
- Tell your doctor as accurately as you can about your
symptoms. Don't be vague - 'for some time' can be anything from a few days to
several years. Be specific, and concise. The doctor wants to hear about what has
been happening to you, not your grandmother or your neighbour's cat!
- Make a list of symptoms. If you have several different
symptoms or issues you want to discuss, write them down. Try to start with the
one that is bothering you most - don't leave it to a 'by the way' as you are
leaving the room! And, remember, there is no such thing as an imaginary symptom.
If you feel it, then it is real to you.
- If you are anxious about something, however
small, tell the doctor. You may well be worrying needlessly, but unless you
discuss you fears, the doctor cannot help you. Doctors are not psychics!
- Request a longer appointment. Most doctors allocate
about 10 minutes. If you have several queries that are likely to take longer,
ask the receptionist for a double appointment. It is helpful for the
receptionist to know why you want to see the doctor - many surgeries now have
special clinics for family planning, asthma or diabetes, for instance.
Everything you say inside the surgery should be confidential - that applies to
the receptionists as well as the doctors.
- Prepare to be honest about potentially unhealthy
habits, such as drinking, smoking, street drug use and unsafe sex. The doctor is
there to help you, not to tell you off!
- Make sure you know the names of all the tablets you are
taking, including medications you have bought directly from chemists. Many
doctors now issue prescriptions using computers, with a print-out of all your
medications on the right-hand side. Take this with you if you can, or bring the
pills/packets. This applies particularly when you are being seen at a new
surgery.
- Wear clothes that are easy to remove if you think you
may need a physical examination. Knee-high lace-up boots, or all-in-one suits,
are not a favourite with doctors. It is also helpful if you remember the date of
your last period more accurately than 'sometime last month'!
- Ask relatives about their health. Family history of
disease can be important, especially if you have new symptoms. It can also be
interesting for you - so ask your family members about their health, and that of
their ancestors.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions, such as why the doctor
is arranging tests, or what are the possible potential side effects of drugs. It
could save you a lot of anxiety later.
- Give the doctor a ring. If you find it difficult to
make a convenient appointment, or you are faced with a long wait, your doctor
may be able to help you with a telephone call. Don't expect to speak to the
doctor straight away: give the receptionist a telephone number where you can be
contacted.
Article last modified: April 2000
From PlanetMedica
Return to Patient Information Area.