In a world where diagnostic errors are a concerning reality, taking charge of your health and being an active participant during doctor appointments is crucial. The Institute of Medicine has highlighted that most Americans will encounter at least one diagnostic error in their lifetime, emphasizing the need for patients to be proactive in their healthcare journey.
By following some simple tips, you can maximize the effectiveness of your doctor appointments and ensure the best possible care for your wellbeing.
Scheduling your appointment.
Firstly, be careful in scheduling your appointments and ensure that your provider accepts your plan. Provide all necessary information to avoid any obstacles.
Speak up and ask questions.
Taking charge of your health means being involved in every aspect of your health care. Be an active participant during visits with your doctor. This means having a thorough understanding of your health, including treatment plans, medications, procedures and tests as well as making sure you have all the information you need to make educated decisions about your health.
Bring all medications to your first visit.
The first visit with your doctor will be more productive if you come with all the information your doctor needs. This means bringing your medications (or a list of medications) and sharing when and how you take them. Having this information will help your doctor evaluate any potential interactions between medications.
Bring copies of relevant investigations or tests.
Be sure your doctor has access to all your medical information, including test results. It’s also a good idea to build your own personal medical file so that you can easily access what your doctor needs – just ask for copies of your tests from your doctor and any specialists that you’ve visited.
Bring a friend or family member.
For some people, bringing a friend or family member to the appointment can ensure that you don’t forget anything important during the visit. They can remind you of questions to ask or can speak up on your behalf to clarify uncertainties or address misunderstandings. Be sure to hash out a plan prior to meeting with your doctor together. That way you can make sure you both agree on what the other person’s role is during the visit.
Don't be shy.
Your doctor won’t be able to properly address any medical concerns or health issues unless you’re open and honest and share all pertinent information. Don’t minimize or omit any symptoms that you’re experiencing. You can rest assured that anything you share is strictly confidential, so make sure your doctor has all the information they need before you leave. This will make the process faster and more efficient so you can get the best care possible.
Describe your symptoms, not your diagnosis.
These days, it’s tempting to self-diagnose at the first sign of symptoms. Resist this temptation and allow your doctor to make the diagnosis. Your doctor relies on you to accurately describe what you’re experiencing and any concerns that you have. And you should rely on your doctor to determine any patterns and make an accurate diagnosis using their years of knowledge, experience, and medical training.
By adopting these practices, you empower yourself as a patient and foster a stronger doctor-patient relationship. Remember, your health is a joint effort, and taking an active role in your doctor visits can significantly reduce the risk of diagnostic errors and lead to better overall outcomes for your physical and mental wellbeing.
Care you will love.
First Stop Health providers are here to care for you! You can schedule a visit with our primary care providers, certified diabetes educators and registered dietitians to talk about your health concerns. All our visits are virtual, so you can get care from where you're most comfortable!
