Wellness Concepts on Making the Most of Your Visit to the Doctor – LIVING WELL Magazine

Making the Most of Your Visit to the Doctor

Denise Grimes, Wellness Concepts, Collin LIVING WELL Magazine (formerly SENIOR Magazine)

At one time or another, most of us have experienced some frustration with our doctor’s office visit. It really doesn’t have to be that way. Here are just a few ideas that may make your visit more beneficial, both for you and the doctor.

Timing is one of the most important things to consider when setting up your visit. Like any other business, there are good times to go and times you might want to avoid. Best times are generally first thing after the office opens or immediately after lunch. There is usually a smaller crowd then and fewer people ahead of you. Avoid late in the morning or afternoon appointments, if possible.  Mondays and Tuesdays are frequently the office’s most hectic days, so avoid those if you can. Holiday weeks with Monday holidays are usually very busy. Get there a bit early – try to avoid being late.

Medications are often an important item discussed at the visit, so always bring an up-to-date list of your medicines to the appointment. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins and supplements. You can bring either a list or the bottles. If you bring a list you should include: name of the drug, strength, how often you take it and who prescribes it for you.  Carrying such a list at all times is a very good idea. Also bring a list of your allergies.

Dress for the visit. Doctor’s offices always seem to be chilly. Take a sweater. Think about why you are seeing the doctor. If your knee hurts, wear something that will allow the doctor to see your knee. Everyone seems to wear long sleeves when they come in for a flu shot – hmmm.

Next is a visit checklist. Nothing fancy is necessary. On a piece of paper, write down why you are going to see the doctor – be specific. List the questions you want answered. Include the question, “When do I need to return?” in your list of questions.

Very Important DOs and DON’Ts!

  • DO bring your ID, insurance card and correct phone number.
  • DON’T wait until you are near death to come in. Doctors can do much more to prevent small problems from becoming big problems than they can fix big problems.
  • DON’T save up 40 problems and expect them to all be fixed during one visit. That just isn’t going to happen.
  • DON’T bring the entire family. We all need moral support and it doesn’t hurt a thing to have one or two people with you.

Please remember that these are only suggestions. Every office is different and every visit to the same office is a little different. They won’t all work at every doctor’s office, but they will let you be a more prepared patient and allow your doctor and their staff to be more efficient in your care.

Wellness Concepts, would like to introduce Lisa Corley, a physician assistant. She will be providing the physicians with assistance in treating patients in the office and hospital. With the growth of our practice, we feel Lisa Corley, PA-C, will allow our patients to be seen in a timely manner and maintain quality care from the office setting into the hospital environment. Wellness Concepts continues to provide quality care to you – as our patient – in every aspect of your health experience.

Please schedule an appointment with Wellness Concepts to meet our team, today. We may be reached at 214-544-2828. “Specializing in Senior Health”