{"id":18433,"date":"2019-11-20T12:55:11","date_gmt":"2019-11-20T17:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thepapergown.zocdoc.com\/?p=18433"},"modified":"2023-03-03T15:24:49","modified_gmt":"2023-03-03T20:24:49","slug":"how-to-prepare-for-any-appointment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zocdoc.com\/blog\/guides\/how-to-prepare-for-any-appointment\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Prepare for Any Appointment"},"content":{"rendered":"

The <\/span>average doctor\u2019s appointment in the U.S.<\/span><\/a> lasts between 15 and 20 minutes. But doctors aren\u2019t spending all that time examining or talking to patients: <\/span>A recent study found that<\/span><\/a> physicians spent 53 percent of time in the exam room directly engaging with patients and 37 percent filling out paperwork. <\/span><\/p>\n

While we can’t change doctors’ schedules, we can take measures to make sure our paper-gown minutes count. The first step to a productive visit is planning ahead. We asked experts what every patient should do, and know, before going to the doctor. Then we used their advice to create a pre-appointment checklist. Whether you’re heading in for a checkup, an I-feel-sick visit or a specialist consultation, these 12 tips can help you prepare for your care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Document your symptoms<\/h2>\n

Make a list of all your symptoms, and be specific: What does the symptom feel like, when does it happen, how long does it last and what makes it better or worse?<\/span> \u201cI like to start with current symptoms and then work back,\u201d says Dr. Jonathan Magid, an internal medicine doctor in Houston. Even if you\u2019re just seeing a doctor for a routine visit, it makes sense to take stock of how you\u2019ve been feeling lately and jot down any recent health issues or recurring complaints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Pack up your meds<\/h2>\n

Many doctors will ask you to bring in a list of your current prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and any other supplements \u2014 with names and dosages. Dr. Margot Savoy, department chair of family and community medicine at Temple University\u2019s <\/span>Lewis Katz\u00a0School of Medicine,<\/span> prefers patients to bring the physical bottles. You should also tell doctors about medications you take on an as-needed basis, such as an anti-anxiety drug for flying.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Make a list of questions<\/h2>\n

You might have 10 things to discuss with your doctor, but \u201cmake a top-three list and prioritize those,\u201d says Dr. Siobahn Hruby, who practices internal medicine in<\/span> Little Rock, Arkansas. Be prepared to come back to address issues you don\u2019t get to, Magid adds. <\/span>Although, for more minor questions, such as when to take a certain medication, an additional in-person visit might not be necessary. You can tell your doctor you didn’t hit every agenda item on your list and ask them the best way to follow up, e.g., via the patient portal or a quick call.<\/p>\n

Savoy suggests dedicating a notebook to health questions, concerns and observations, and bringing it with you to all appointments. Also, keep a running list of general medical questions on your phone, she says. If there\u2019s unused time during a visit, you\u2019ll have extra questions to ask.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Write a health summary<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re seeing a doctor for the first time, create a one-page health summary, says Hruby. That way, the doctor doesn\u2019t have to spend time asking basic questions. \u201cIt doesn\u2019t need to be an essay,\u201d she says. Instead, create sections \u2014 current medications, immunizations, allergies, surgeries current issues \u2014 with bullet points.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Document your family history<\/h2>\n

Health issues that run in your family are always relevant to your care. Be specific, Magid says: Knowing that your grandfather had blocked arteries and a heart attack at age 50, rather than just \u201cheart disease,\u201d is helpful. Most doctors will want this information, so make sure it’s readily available and easy to share. That might mean putting it into a Google doc (and making it available offline), writing everything down and taking a photo of your notes, or keeping a printout with you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Consider bringing your medical devices<\/h2>\n

When Magid sees patients for the first time, he asks them to bring in any medical devices they use, such as a home blood pressure monitor, an inhaler or a glucometer. \u201cIt\u2019s nice to have those devices at the appointment to verify they\u2019re working and that the patient is using them correctly,\u201d he says.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Don\u2019t forget copies of new test results<\/h2>\n

If you went to urgent care or the ER recently and had any tests done, such as an X-ray or an MRI, bring the results with you. It can be tricky for doctors to get copies from the ER. \u201cIt\u2019s easier if I don\u2019t have to chase results down,\u201d Magid says.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Know if you should eat before your visit<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re getting an annual physical, your doctor might want you to fast. That way, they’ll be able to run blood tests to check your sugar and cholesterol levels, and any other <\/span>blood work that requires an empty stomach<\/span><\/a> for accurate results. Typically, patients are told to <\/span>fast for eight hours.<\/a> Magid says it’s fine to <\/span>drink water and have a cup of <\/span>black coffee or tea<\/span><\/a> during your fast<\/span>. You should also keep taking prescription meds, except <\/span>certain diabetes medications like insulin, which could cause blood sugar levels \u2014 already low from fasting \u2014 to drop further.\u00a0If you have to fast, pack a small snack to eat after your blood draw.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Get familiar with your healthcare plan<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s helpful to review your insurance coverage before you get to the doctor\u2019s office, Hruby says. Here are a few basic questions to ask yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n