5 minutes
Doctors have little time to attend to each patient, so it is recommended to arrive at the consultation with notes of symptoms and doubts. We teach how to render the minutes with a specialist.
Controlling health problems requires at least one visit to the doctor. Whether they are regular or sporadic consultations, it is necessary to take advantage of the moment because they are a few minutes to expose what one feels in the body.
If you organize helps by raising details that lead to diagnosis and treatment prescription. To do this, it is advisable to take note of the symptoms and expose them to the doctor.
It does not have to be different if the specialist attends your home. An article published by the medical journal Peace ensures that home visits allow adequate control and close to reality, resulting in empathy between doctor and patient.
How to prepare before the visit to the doctor?
Both the first time and in routine appointments, attend with a plan, so that in the limited time of the health professional cover all the points that afflict you. Here are some basic guidelines to make your visit to the doctor fruitful.
1. Fill out the forms carefully
It is normal that the first day you fill out questionnaires. Pay attention to the questions and if there is any doubt, clarify it before answering.
2. Collaborate with the medical history
The information you provide complements the clinical file. In addition to the forms, all the data offered to the physician is material for the medical history. This document draws from references about diseases, allergies, surgeries, medications, etc.
If for any reason you change professionals, share the name of the previous one. If possible, get copies of your old health records. If you are a regular patient, comment on what has changed since the last check-up.
3. Remember the analyzes and studies
Test results, x-rays and reports are key to evaluating progress. Do not leave this material at home; It is common for them to ask for it to review on the second appointment.
4. List the concerns
Every visit to the doctor has a reason. According to the symptoms, list what worries you and communicate it. The doctor will address the discomforts by priority. This advice is key when you go to consult with a child or an older adult.
5. Express yourself with sincerity
Don’t be afraid to speak up. Doctors need to listen to you to make the best decisions. Express your discomforts and concerns. If you feel like the date is going too fast, suggest coming back another day.
During the conversation mention if the drugs you take cause you side effects; even if you have trouble affording treatment. They will probably find a replacement.
As for the embarrassing issues, only the doctor will know how to solve them. Put aside sorrow and speak with confidence.
6. See and hear clearly
People with glasses cannot forget them at home, since it is necessary to clearly see the instructions that the doctor writes, in case they have any confusion. You also have to look carefully at the explanation of images that doctors show on monitors and negatoscopes.
Likewise, those who wear hearing aids must ensure that they function correctly and tell the doctor if there is any problem hearing it. Surely this contributes by speaking slowly.
7. Attend accompanied or request an interpreter
Going in the company of a friend or family member is beneficial, as they could remind the doctor of things that you forgot. They also help to take notes on the diagnosis.
On the other hand, some people need an interpreter and one is not always available in the offices. Don’t let language become a barrier to deal with such sensitive issues. In advance, look for a trusted translator.
Key questions in a visit to the doctor
Just as doctors rely on scientific guidelines to interview patients, there are also some questions you can ask. Among others, the following stand out:
- What do the symptoms mean?
- What are the causes of the problem?
- Is the condition serious?
- Is it necessary to leave any food?
- Does the treatment cause side effects?
- Do ordered exams hurt?
- Will the condition affect quality of life?
- How long is the treatment?
Do not leave with doubts
Even though the date is over, do not leave the office with doubts. Ask the doctor if there is an opportunity to schedule another visit or if there is an additional channel through which you can contact him. Email or extra phone numbers work in these cases. Find out if someone else can assist you when you can’t reach them.
Ask for brochures and written instructions and carefully review the prescriptions given to acquire the remedies.
Patience is essential when you start the medical control. You don’t always get a diagnosis on the first visit, so stay calm until they find the source of your discomfort.
The path to take may be difficult. If that is the scenario, ask openly for other alternatives to treat your pathology.
By last, Be kind and respectful to the health personnel who treat you. If you suffer from any chronic illness, you will establish a relationship with that team for a long time.
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