My friend, Kim, had a doctor's appointment yesterday.
It was for a procedure, so I went with her for support and also because she needed someone to drive her home.
When the receptionist asked Kim for her insurance card, she could not find it
in her wallet. She had to remove every card to find it...cards and receipts were all over the receptionist's desk. About 5 minutes later, Kim luckily located the card in her wallet, but she was frazzled and upset as she had to then put all of her cards back into her wallet.
Once in the appointment, the nurse asked her what medications she was on. This was a new doctor and they needed verification from her. Well, Kim's medications were all at home and she didn't have a list of them with her.
Fortunately, Kim's husband (who was at work) had her medications listed on an app on his cellphone, so Kim was able to access the medication list with a quick phone call.
It all
worked out, but Kim was already stressed about the appointment before she got there, and I could tell that these small, but additional issues, did not help matters.
A doctor's visit can sometimes feel emotionally overwhelming, but with a little preparation and organization, you can transform it into a
less stressful and smoother experience. Here are a few ways to avoid the anxiety that Kim experienced and help make every doctor's visit organized and hassle-free.
1. Be organized when scheduling your appointment. Get the appointment day and time into your calendar immediately. Set
a phone reminder so you are notified a few days prior so you know that appointment is coming up...and again on the day of the appointment. Ask about any specific requirements or preparations for the visit, such as fasting or special tests.
2. Gather necessary documents before your
appointment. Hopefully your doctor has your medical history, family medical history, insurance information, and any previous test results or reports in his or her portal. But if this is a new doctor, be sure to bring this information with you in case it doesn't all transfer from one doctor to another. Check to be sure your insurance card is in your wallet...and that you know what slot it's in.
3. Arrive prepared with questions. Grab your notebook or open a notetaking app on your phone. I usually prefer to do this on my phone because my phone is always with me; a notebook can easily get left behind. BUT, if you are more comfortable with a paper notebook, set up a reminder so you remember to bring that notebook with you to your
appointment.
Make a list of concerns, symptoms, and questions you want to discuss with your doctor. Writing up the questions ahead of time will help to ensure you don't forget to ask
something important.
4. Make your arrival and check-in an organized, frazzle-free process. Familiarize yourself with the office location and parking options beforehand to avoid unnecessary stress. Arrive at the doctor's office at least 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for
check-in procedures. When checking in, have your identification, insurance card, and any required forms readily available. Take advantage of self-check-in kiosks if available.
5. Effective communication is key. Present your list of concerns and questions to ensure that you address
all important matters.
Take notes during the consultation to help you remember important details later.
If you don't understand something, don't hesitate to ask for clarification. Clear and open communication with your doctor will lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and overall satisfaction.
6. Be sure you follow-up after your visit. After your doctor's visit, take the time to organize and review any instructions or prescriptions given to you. Update your personal records with new information provided by your doctor. Follow up on any recommended tests or procedures promptly. If you have any concerns or further questions, reach out to your
doctor's office for clarification.
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