Hello.  Thanks for visiting my site.

With the current health care system, we all know that you usually only get about 15 minutes with the doctor.  So, how do you get your medication refilled, talk about your chronic medical issues, tell the doctor about new concerns, etc?  I’m hoping to give you information on how to make the most of your 15 minute visit with your doctor.

Hopefully, you’ll get some useful tips on how to get what you need or would like out of a doctor’s visit.  Now, of course, we all go see the doctor for many different reasons.  With these specific tips, you’ll be able to narrow down what’s important and how to get the doctor to be on the same page.

So, for this first post, I’ll start with some general rules you should keep in mind.

  1. Do not try to cram too many things into one visit.  Chances are, something will get missed in the shuffle.  Have one or two items at most.  Unless you have a longer visit for a full physical, for example, you’ll find a much more accommodating doctor if he isn’t overwhelmed by all the things on your list.
  2. When you call to make your appointment, ask how long the visits are with the doctor because every office, depending on the specialty, is a little different.  Some may give you 5-10 minutes, others 15-30 minutes.  Then you can plan accordingly.
  3. If it’s your first visit to the doctor, you’ll usually be scheduled for more time.  Be early, as there will likely be some paperwork.  And bring all the bottles of medications and/or a list including the drug names, dosages, and how you are taking them.
  4. If you are bringing a child to the doctor, always bring the immunization card.  For one, the doctor can review if your child’s immunizations are current.  And two, if your child is missing any, the shots can be given the same day and the card stamped accordingly.  You save on another visit, another co-pay.
  5. Always ask the doctor if you need to have a follow up appointment.  If you do, make the appointment on your way out.  You can always reschedule or cancel.  It’s much harder to get in to see the doctor these days.
  6. If you are sick and want a same day appointment, call early and be prepared to come in right away.  Most doctors will be more likely to accommodate earlier in the day.  If you can’t get in during the day, you’re looking at a more expensive visit to urgent care.

There you have it.  Some basic information for going to see the doctor.  Look to the next posts for tips on visits for the common cold.

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