In the “old” days, we could phone for a primary care doctor’s appointment in the morning, be seen right away, spend enough time with the doctor, leave with a treatment plan, and usually feel better within a day or two.
But no longer! Today it’s difficult to get an appointment, even within a few days. We sit in waiting rooms far longer than we expect. Then when we finally see the doctor, we often feel like we’re being rushed out the door.
We patients tend to blame our doctors and the way they run their practices. Why should we have to wait so long? Why won’t they spend more time with us? What’s the big hurry?
The truth is, your doctor doesn’t like today’s limited time system either. He would love nothing more than to be able to make immediate appointments, see you the moment you arrive in his office, and spend plenty of time with you, too. But the insurance reimbursement system doesn’t make that possible.
Last week I had the opportunity to work with personnel at North and Northeast Medical Centers. I was asked to help them help us patients manage this time-constrained reality we are all stuck with to improve patient satisfaction. I suggested some steps they can take to help their patients get the most from their doctor appointments.
But the patient-provider relationship is two sided. We patients need to take our responsibilities in that relationship more seriously, too.
We can do so by preparing ahead of our doctor appointments:
First – Write down anything that is new since your last doctor appointment. New symptoms, new aches or pains, new supplements you’re talking, drugs another doctor has prescribed, or new triggers you’ve discovered that create problems for you. Record them along with the dates they started.
Second – Take a list of every drug and supplement you take, including brand names and dosages. Note any that will need renewal within the next 90 days. Or, instead of listing them, throw the containers into a bag and take them with you.
Third – Write down your questions. Prioritize them since you’ll only have time to ask two or three. If you have more than one medical problem, and therefore extra questions, then make an additional appointment.
Being a prepared patient will make every interface with your doctor more effective and efficient. You’ll be more likely to get what you need – a collaboration that’s beneficial to you and your doctor.
Are you confused about making the most of your doctor appointments, finding the right specialist, getting a second opinion, understanding a diagnosis or treatment options? Call us today 303-756-8436.
Reprinted with permission from Trisha Torrey, Every Patient’s Advocate: www.EveryPatientsAdvocate.com
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