The information you bring to a doctor's office are tools for your healthcare.
Just because you're not a medical professional doesn't mean you can't be professional about preparing for your annual check-up. The better prepared you are when you enter a doctor's office, the better your outcome is likely to be.
Preparing Background Material
Keep your medical history in a file, and bring it to the doctor each visit. Even if you've been seen by a doctor for many years, don't assume he knows your history.
Having background material available at the office is helpful when reviewing current treatments. You'll want to make sure your own medical file includes things like a listing of surgeries you've had, blood type, average heart rate and blood pressure, and immunizations (such as tetanus and flu shots).
If you are currently being treated or evaluated for any specific conditions, you'll also want to provide a current list of tests you have undergone, results of those tests and the names and phone numbers of other doctors you've seen recently.
How you create your medical history file is up to you. You can simply write it down, type it and save it to your computer's hard drive, or make it and save it using an online resource like MedicineNet.com or a template from Microsoft Corporation.
Taking Care of Business
When you head to the doctor's office, don't go empty-handed. Take along your health insurance or Medicare/Medicaid cards and--unless you are sure you can remember it all--a note to yourself about whether you need a referral, what your co-pay/co-insurance is and a customer service number where you or your doctor's staff can direct questions.
In addition to your health insurance information, you'll want to have at your appointment a photo ID (a driver's license or other state-issued identification) and a list of the medications that you take, including dosage/strength, how often you take them, who prescribed them and why. Also note any side effects you may have experienced with those medications.
More Than Small Talk
Pleasantries have a place in a doctor's office, but they should be brief. Plan ahead to maximize your time and your doctor's.
Before an appointment, write down topics you want to discuss with your doctor and any questions you might have. Take the list into the office, and don't be shy about taking notes while your doctor is talking.
Who's Got Your Back?
Sometimes it's smart to bring a friend or close family member with you to a doctor appointment to offer support and another pair of eyes and ears while in the office. This is especially important if you're nervous about the visit--your friend will probably remember to ask a question or ask for clarification in the event you become distracted or worried about what the doctor has to say. Your doctor's office will surely have a form for you to sign, indicating that it's OK for the doctor and staff to discuss your health with your guest as well.
Tags: doctor office, your doctor, your health, your medical, bring doctor
