Five Tips to Prepare for Your Next Doctor Appointment

It might not be something that you think about after scheduling a doctor's appointment, but it's important to put some thought into your next visit. Between the doctor's busy schedule and the tendency to forget important facts in the moment, many older adults fail to make the most of their limited time with their primary care physician. However, with some preparation, older adults can maximize their time with their physicians and ultimately improve their overall health and well-being. If you're headed to the doctor's office anytime soon, here are five tips to help you be prepared.

Jot Down Any Concerns

Before your appointment, make a list of health concerns that you want to discuss with your doctor. Think about your overall health and well-being. How are you feeling? Do you have any particular ache or pain that won't go away? Have you experienced any changes in your appetite, energy levels, vision, hearing, or bowel and bladder? How's your cognition? Make a list of the top concerns you wish to discuss and bring the list with you. Refer to it during your appointment to help jog your memory. You can also give your list to the nurse to share with your physician. This is one strategy to use if you struggle to communicate about topics that might make you feel embarrassed.

Bring a List of Current Medications

While you're jotting down concerns, also take the time to create a list of your current medications. Include prescriptions, over the counter, and any other vitamins or supplements that you take regularly. Write down the name of the medication, how often you take it, and how long you've been using that medication (especially over the counter and vitamins/supplements). Give the list to your doctor to review with you. Ask about any changes they may recommend or drug interactions you need to avoid. Before leaving your appointment, ask for a printed copy of your current medication list. Keep this updated at home and bring it with you to a future appointment.

Evaluate Your Emotional Health

Many older adults fail to discuss their overall mood with their primary care physician. However, emotional health is just as important as physical health. Something happening to your physical health could affect your mood and vice versa. Take time to evaluate your emotional health. Have you noticed any changes in mood or behavior since your last visit? Are you struggling with depression or anxiety? How often do you experience negative moods? Your doctor needs to know about mood changes, especially if it's impacting your daily routine.

Ask About Lab Work Before Your Appointment

Typically, doctors will order lab work, such as a blood draw, during your appointment. Afterward, they'll call or use a patient portal system to share the results with you. However, some older adults struggle to access and navigate their patient portals. Others may feel rushed while speaking with their physician on the phone or not completely understand the significance of the results. When you make your next appointment, ask if you're due for lab work and if you can complete that before your appointment. That way, your doctor can review your results in person instead of something getting lost in translation over the phone or computer.

Invite a Trusted Family Member

Finally, be prepared for your next doctor appointment by inviting a trusted family member to attend with you. It's always a good idea to have a second set of eyes and ears when you have limited time with your physician. You can ask your family member to wait in the waiting room during your exam, then join you afterward to hear from the doctor. Your family member can take notes for you and share their perspective regarding your health. They may have noticed changes in your health or mood that you've adapted to and can add valuable input during your appointment.

Visiting Angels Oshkosh wants all seniors to have a positive experience at their next doctor's appointment. Whether it's a routine visit or an emergency visit, we're here to advocate for you. If you don't have a family member who can escort you to your appointments, or even the Wisconsin State Fair, our compassionate caregivers are ready and able to assist you. We can wait patiently in the waiting room or be your advocate in the exam room. This is just one of the many exceptional senior in-home care services that we offer. To learn more about us, how we can partner together, please get in touch with us today by calling 920-312-7000.

We look forward to hearing from you.