| |
|
|
|
PREPARE
FOR A DOCTOR'S VISIT
A
visit to the doctor can be stressful. But
you can make your appointments smoother and yourself calmer by following the
tips below. They include asking questions, taking notes, and writing lists.
BEFORE
YOUR VISIT
Here
are some actions to take before your appointment.
-
Telephone
If
this is a first visit, call the physician's office and see if he or she is
on your medical plan. If you
are a member of an HMO (health maintenance organization), you should have a
card that was sent to you by your insurance company. Look on the card to see how much your copayment is (usually $5-$20),
so you can have money ready to pay for your appointment.
-
Make a List There
are some basic questions you can be certain your doctor will ask you if this
is your first Visit. If you
have your answers ready, things will go that much quicker. He or she will
probably ask you about your personal medical history.
-
Symptoms
of a Health Problem Write
down anything that is currently unusual about the way you are feeling
(dizziness, no appetite, trouble sleeping, aches and pains, and so on).
-
Medications
and Allergies
Your physician will want to know if you are taking any type of
medication, and if you have any allergies. Have this information ready.
-
Your
Family History Does your family have a history of heart problems,
diabetes, breast cancer, anemia, etc? This important information will help your new physician to better treat you.
-
List A doctor's appointment makes most people nervous, and sometimes patients
forget the questions they want to ask. So whether this is your first visit or your twentieth, include on
your list any questions or concerns you have that need answers. With your
list in front of you, you will find out everything you want to know!
THE DAY OF YOUR VISIT
-
Telephone
Call
to confirm the date and time of your appointment.
-
Show
Up on Time Showing up on
time helps you get out on time.
-
Take
Notes Doctors
say it is a good idea to take notes during a visit so that you will remember
what was said and what you should be doing.
Bring a notepad and pen to write down anything important your
physician has to tell you. If you don't want to write everything down, write down
important words the doctor may say. This
will help you remember what the doctor says after you leave.
TRY
IT RIGHT NOW
Imagine
you had a doctor's appointment tomorrow. Think
of four questions you would like to ask the doctor. Write them down here:
1.
____________________________
2.
____________________________
3.
____________________________
Education
Development Center, Inc. © 2001.
Return to TV 411
|
