Getting the Best Doctor’s Visit

By Paul Konowitz, M.D., Medical Director of HealthAngle

Have you ever left a doctor’s visit feeling that your questions haven’t been completely answered? That you don’t know what you’re supposed to do next? That you’re more anxious than when you went in?

Here’s how to get the most from any visit.

Before the visit:

Pick the right time

Make an appointment for first thing in the morning or right after lunch. Your doctor is human, and will be freshest in the early morning, frazzled just before lunch, and fatigued toward the end of the day. Getting in at the “golden hours” can be well worth it, even if it requires some rearranging of your schedule.

Bring test results

Take the time to pick up any X-rays and other test results and have them with you for your appointment; this will make the visit more efficient and give you more time to discuss your concerns. Without these, your physician will spend time tracking down tests or waiting for faxes rather than talking to you. Even in the age of the electronic medical record, many systems do not communicate with each other, so your prior results may not be immediately available. And don’t count on another physician taking the time to send your results to your current doctor; even if they do, it may end up sitting on someone’s desk.

Make a list

Make a list of all the issues you want to discuss with your doctor, and make the list as complete as possible. Even if your memory is perfect (and whose is?), when sitting with your physician you may forget some of your concerns.

Do some homework

Do some research about your topics of concern before your visit. Most physicians appreciate a well-informed patient. You don’t have to be an expert, but having some basic insights can help in understanding your physician’s answers and recommendations.

Know what you want

Before your appointment, think about what you want to accomplish. Do you just want some questions answered? Are there specific tests you’d like to ask about? Do you want a referral to a specialist? And then be bold and ask for what you want. Most physicians will be willing to listen to your suggestions and desires as long as you articulate your reasons clearly.

During the visit:

Understand the plan

Do not leave the exam room without a clear understanding of the plan that your doctor has recommended. If it is not clear to you, don’t be afraid to ask for another explanation—that is your right. Write down the plan so you can refer back to it when you get home.

Get a name

Get a name of somebody in the office you can call for follow-up. Do not leave the office until it is clear how future communication is going to occur. How will you communicate with your doctor about tests, results, questions, recommendations, etc.? Can you call the physician directly? Do they have a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant that you can easily reach? Do they communicate via e-mail? Your best bet may be to obtain the name of your physician’s secretary or nurse/medical assistant.