The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Making the Most of Your Doctor Appointment

When the Geriatric Care Managers of Distinctive Care accompany their Clients to doctor appointments they are well prepared to discuss the Client’s condition, treatment options, medications, co-morbidity and a wide range of other discussion points to ensure that the visit is a fruitful one. The information garnered at the appointment is then prepared in a written report for the primary caregiver with the Client’s permission. Since not everyone has a Care Manager, I would like to share with you some important information to help you make the most of your doctor’s appointment.

One important thing to remember about your doctor’s appointment is that it will probably be brief so it’s important to be organized and prepared so you are able to things that are important to you and for you. This will help you to address the all the issues that prompted you to make the appointment in the first place.

Be sure to write down a list of symptoms and concerns as this can help the physician prioritize those issues that will be addressed during the visit. Be specific when you write down your symptoms. For example if you are having pain, list the location and the intensity of the pain on a scale of 1 – 10 with 10 being the most severe and how long it has been that way.

Make a list of the medications you are taking, their dosages and the frequency that you are taking them. Be sure to include any over the counter drugs and supplements. Be prepared to advise the doctor whether or not any prescription medication regime you are taking is working. Also advise the doctor of any adverse side effects you may be having that might interfere with you continuing to take the medication. Let the doctor know if you are cutting any medication in half to save money or if you have stopped taking any prescribed medications. Write down your allergies to drugs and any other allergies you may have.

Bring a list of questions with you to ask the doctor and take notes when the doctor answers them.

Be prepared to discuss your “feared diagnosis”. Often patients may suspect they are suffering from a particular disease based on their symptoms. With such an abundance of health related information available in books, magazines and the internet, at times irrational fears may develop. It’s best to discuss these fears openly with your doctor.

Keep the focus on you and try to avoid too much small talk…remember your time with the doctor is limited. You should also be realistic and should consider scheduling a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns.

Another thing you may want to consider if you get anxious or flustered in medical settings is that it may be helpful to bring someone along for support and to help you get the most out of your appointment.

I hope this information is helpful and that you’ll use it when you go to your next doctor appointment. If you have any questions or would like to have a Care Manager accompany you to your next doctor appointment in Rockland, Bergen, or Passaic county feel free to contact us at: info@distinctivecare.net or 201-857- 5283