Making The Most of Your Medical Appointments

There are those who may have several other doctors visits throughout the year besides your annual appointment with your PCP. In fact, a study done in 2016 by the Dartmouth Institute reports that older adults, on average, will visit a health care setting up to seventeen times days per year. It can do a lot of good to make the most these medical appointments by taking the following steps.

Ask

Ask for help if you need it.
Ask for forms and paperwork ahead of time and come to the appointment prepared.
Ask for morning appointments when you are more likely to see the physician on time.

Bring

Bring your insurance card and a photo ID with you to every appointment.

Communicate

Be clear and open about your medical history and family health history.
Write down health related questions as you think of them ahead of time and ask the doctor these questions point blank.
Keep lists of the physicians you see, with their contact info, and all medications you take regularly with their dosages. It never hurts to include any vitamins and supplements you take on a daily basis too.

These are some simple ways to stay proactive about your health and checkups along with any other appointment with a specialist that could come up down the road. It always helps to stay organized and efficient.

Bill Gay: