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Practice 3 Frederick treves House St John Way Dorchester DT1 2FD 01305 251128 |
How to prepare for your doctor's appointment
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: Oct 2008
