Here is what I know is true, our healthcare system needs an overhaul, and that may not happen soon. In the meantime, there are things you can do to manage your health and navigate the system so you can live your best healthy life.
This can start with shared decision-making which refers to the process where the physician does not make decisions about the treatment of the patient alone. The patient and the physician share their knowledge and agree on the most appropriate treatment method
Let’s talk about ways you can take control of this and make your provider visit the best experience and meet your needs.
Finding the Right Provider
To start, find a provider that you can relate to and that you feel comfortable with. I would also add to make sure you like your provider. Now you may be thinking…I want to make sure they’re qualified. Well, that goes without saying, but the reason I say like is you are building a relationship with you provider and forming a partnership in health. You want to enjoy seeing your provider, not dreading your appointment, or avoiding it.
Confirm Your Preferences:
- Do you prefer a male or female provider?
- Choose someone you can relate to and feel comfortable with.
- Make sure your provider listens to you, and maybe even has a sense of humor that gets you through the visit.
- Is your provider patient and answers your questions and explains things in a way you can understand.
How Do You Find This Person?
Zocdoc is a free resource where you can search for a provider and even book online and confirm if they take your insurance. There is an explainer video with a demo on Savvy Health Care Consumer Academy if you prefer a visual and a demo.
Things you can do:
- Easy search options where you can search by location, specialty, or condition.
- View stars on overall rating, wait time and bedside manner.
- This is one of my favorite features. If people take time to write a review, then they are typically passionate about sharing, good or bad.
- If you have an existing Primary Care Physician (PCP) and need to see a specialist, ask your PCP for recommendations.
- If you have an established relationship with your PCP, h/she knows you and may have recommendations for a provider that meets your needs.
- Chat with friends about recommendations they may have.
- This know you as well are likely to provide candid feedback.
Preparing for Your Visit – Key Tips to Make Sure Your Questions and Concerns Are Addressed.
Going to the doctor’s office may not be at the top of your list when it comes to things to do, and you may feel anxious. In some cases, maybe even overwhelmed when you walk in and one person takes your vitals, another takes you down the hallway for lab work and when you get back to the exam room, you finally see the doctor who is running behind and rushing through your appointment.
How can you make sure you get your questions answered and take control of your visit for the best outcome?
- Make a list of questions you would like to ask.
- Writing your questions down makes sure that in the flurry of activity you don’t forget to ask your questions. What age should I get a bone density screening or why did they change the recommended age for a colonoscopy from 50-45. Whatever your questions may be, you want to make sure you get them answered.
- If you feel anxious are or worried, you can make arrangements for a significant other, or friend to accompany you to your appointment.
- They can take notes for you and help you with getting your questions addressed and maybe they think of things that you didn’t that may be helpful.
During the Visit and Post Visit – Key Tips to Make Sure Your Visit Meet Your Needs
Now that you have made your list or have someone accompanying you, hopefully you feel more at ease for your visit.
- Don’t be intimidated and take control. This is your allocated time and your health.
- If your provider walks in and you feel rushed take control and set the tone.
- It can be as simple as letting your provider know following the exam you have three questions you would like to discuss. This lets your provider know that h/she needs to address those questions versus rushing off to the next patient.
- Record the visit on your phone or other recording device.
- You may be asking if this legal? Yes, it is. It is your Personal Health Information (PHI).
- It is not required but as a courtesy, I always recommend that you let your provider know that you will be recording the visit. As of this recording for this explainer video, only California and Florida require that all parties be advised that the visit is being recorded.
- A recording is good to have as there is only so much any of us can comprehend in one sitting.It is good to play it back to make sure you didn’t miss anything and to share with your significant other or whomever is helping you with your healthcare needs.
Post Visit
There are two things you should keep in mind after your doctor’s visit:
Follow up –
- Prescription medications, lab work, seeing a specialist etc.
- Using your patient portal to track medications, review comments from your provider on lab work or medications.
- If you have additional questions, you can email your provider through the patient portal.
Follow through –
- Sometimes you need to return in a week, to few weeks to make sure treatments are working and to evaluate your condition status.
- You may need to schedule an appointment with a specialist.You can view any referral information in the portal and get information for who to reach out to.
I hope these quick tips and reminders are helpful and make you feel at ease for your next appointment.
Resources:
Can Patient’s Record Doctor’s Office Visits?
What To Do After Your Doctor’s Visit.
Getting The Most Out Of Your Doctor’s Appointment