How do I get the most from my doctors appointments?
Heather Sholl
Concierge Wellness Coach March 2020
How do I get the most from my doctors appointments?
It’s hard enough to find time to get an appointment with your doctor, especially if they’re well-sought after, so once you’re there, with limited time, how do you make the most of the time you have with them? Here are a few tips and questions to ask.
Write down the questions you have for your doctor in advance. Bring them with you and record the answers.
Have reasonable expectations about what your doctor can do to help you and ask them if the result you want is possible.
Ask the question “What is causing my symptoms?” Pain is a symptom of an underlying problem. If you only treat the pain, you may not eliminate the problem. Doctors are trained to diagnose, make sure you leave with a diagnosis of what causes your symptoms.
Ask your doctor for treatment options outside of pills and surgery.
If your appointment is for something muscle/joint/weight loss related and you have a trainer or health coach, bring them with you. I have been to more doctors than I can count. And I love it. The doctors welcome another person who is taking an interest in their patient. It is my responsibility to carry out the care for my clients, i.e. their patients, when they leave the office. We know the questions to ask and get better answers if we are there.