Your Tips – Making the Most of a Doctor’s Appointment
All right, so we know we’re supposed to see a doctor and go to our follow-up appointments. But how do we make sure those appointments are really worthwhile? How do we make sure we’re communicating well with our doctor, and that she’s communicating well with us? How do we prepare for an appointment, and how to we integrate what we’ve learned after the appointment is over?
It’s time to share your comments! Leave a comment below, or share with us on Facebook. Let’s help each other! 🙂
16 September 2011 @ 10:06 am
I take a list of all meds that I am currently taking.
I also take a list of headaches I have had between the last appt and the current day. Another important thing I take is a list of all talking points I want to get across. That way the doc doesn’t leave the room until I address everything I need to, even if they try and tiptoe around answers or cut time short.
11 October 2011 @ 10:33 pm
I make sure to arrive early. The worst thing that could happen is that my doctor cuts me short because I am late. I make sure my medication is up to date, including not only the names but also the dose and when I take each. I always bring my headache list. My doctor also wants to know how many times in the last three months: I missed school/work, I was less able to do housework, I was less able to function at school/work, and that I missed social events. She also wants to know how many hours of sleep I get each night, whether or not I feel rested, what my average pain level is and whether that pain level has increased or decreased since my last visit.
I personally find it helpful to note what treatments I used for each migraine attack, and whether there was any trigger I noted (such as today’s cold front moving through the area). I am sure to note not only which prescription medications I use for each migraine, but which OTC medications I use to help ensure that I am not overusing any medication. Keeping detailed records also helps my doctor see if I am treating my headaches appropriately.
The more information I can bring to the appointment, the more informed my doctor will be when she recommends a course of treatment.
22 May 2015 @ 8:07 am
I use my smartphone with a dedicated calendar to record when, trigger, intensity etc. easy for her to view.