How to make every minute of your doctor’s appointment count

Photo by Vitaly Gariev on Unsplash.

Article content

Doctor appointments may feel short these days, but they don’t have to be rushed or confusing. A little homework beforehand can help you make better use of those precious minutes. Here’s what experts advise on how to get more from your next visit.

Article content

What to do beforehand

Article content

Article content

Family physicians have busy practices and usually limited time with each patient, says Camille Lemieux, department head of family medicine at Toronto’s UHN. That makes it worth asking ahead of time how much time you’ll have and prioritizing your concerns.

Article content

Article content

“It’s helpful for patients to ask how many medical issues can be addressed during one visit and to focus on that number, rather than bringing a long list,” says Lemieux.

Article content

Once you know what you want to discuss, write down your main concerns before you leave home. It’s surprisingly easy to remember the question you meant to ask only after you’re halfway home.

Article content

The same goes for your medications. Keep a list that includes names and dosages. If you’re unsure, put all your medications in a bag and bring them along. Include over-the-counter medications, herbal products, supplements and hormones.

Article content

“This can help us identify drug interactions, duplications and contraindications that are critical in patient management,” says Annu Navani, a regenerative medicine expert and author of Health Recoded.

Article content

Navani also recommends knowing the names and contact information of other doctors involved in a patient’s care, which matters when co-ordinating care in complex cases with multiple medical issues.

Article content

Don’t be shy, be honest

Article content

If you’re tempted to shave a few drinks off your weekly alcohol intake or conveniently forget to mention that you enjoy the odd cigar, think again.

Article content

Article content

“Patients often don’t want to share information about smoking, alcohol use, other substance use and sexual practices,” Lemieux says.

Article content

“However, if your family physician doesn’t have this information, they may not be able to provide the right diagnosis or care.”

Article content

The same applies to subjects that can feel even more personal.

Article content

“Especially in breast cancer, patients often omit sensitive subjects like body image, mental health related to the diagnosis and sexual health symptoms,” says Loren Rourke, breast cancer surgeon and author of Real Talk, Real Hope: Breast Cancer Your Way.

Article content

Article content

If you don’t understand what your doctor is saying, ask for an explanation, says breast cancer surgeon Loren Rourke. Clarity will result in better compliance with treatment recommendations. Allison Wilkins Photography

Article content

Article content

Rest assured, whatever you tell your physician is confidential and protected by privacy legislation.

Article content

Understanding what’s said

Article content

There’s no prize for pretending to understand when you have no idea what your doctor is saying to you.

Article content

“Absolutely interrupt. It’s important you understand what you’re being told in your appointment. Understanding and education result in better compliance with treatment recommendations,” Rourke notes.

Article content

If something is confusing, ask your doctor to stop and explain it in plain language. Write things down and ask for the correct spelling of unfamiliar terms so you can look them up later.