Making the Most of YOUR Doctor's Appointment

On the way home from a doctor's appointment, you think of 2 things you meant to ask them. Now what? You can call your doctor's office, use their electronic medical record system (i.e. My-Chart) or wait until your next appointment. These are 'OK' solutions. However, in the Covid era, doctor's offices are busy, YOU'RE busy (i.e. unavailable when they call back), and some things are better when discussed in person.

This demonstrates the importance of making the most of your doctors' appointments. Taking a step back, studies show that folks who trust their doctors have better outcomes.?So, if you're 'between' doctors, how do you find one? I addressed this in a previous article, though here's a summary.?Review the clinician's education/training, whether they're board certified, and if they've had any disciplinary actions taken. Also, assess your interactions with them and their staff.?

BEFORE an appointment: Do your homework:? ??? Write down your health conditions, medications, and treatment. ??? Make a list of questions: concerns, potential symptoms, etc. ??? Bring a friend or relative, especially if you have a chronic or new condition. ?? Be aware of your deductible, co-pay, etc.

DURING an appointment:? ?? ? Inquire about the forms you're asked to sign. ?? Confirm why you're being referred for services and if your health-plan covers them. - Ask what a new medication costs and whether cheaper alternatives exist.? - Discuss potential medication or food interactions and common side effects. - Ask for 90 day supplies of medication.

AFTER your appointment: ?? - Review the 'after visit summary,' follow all directions & make needed appointments. - Make the next appointment for the time-frame recommended.? - If you have questions, concerns or don't feel 100%, speak to your pharmacist or - doctor's office.

Having an optimal doctor's appointment reminds us that it's vital to know how your health plan works. Is there a deductible, can some services be obtained before the deductible is met (i.e. with a co-pay), whether referrals are required, and whether there's in-network labs and pharmacies. Otherwise, the same prescription or lab test may end up costing you twice as much as it could have.?

Doctors' offices and pharmacies work with a variety of individual, group, and Medicare plans. They may not be able to advise you on getting the most out of your specific plan. This is where having an insurance broker can not only help you get the right plan, though prevent unnecessary expenses.?

1 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295692/