How to talk to your doctor

According to the Canadian Community Health Survey released by Statistics Canada earlier this year, nearly 1.7 million Canadians don't have a regular doctor. Whether it's a trip to a family doctor or a stop at the neighbourhood walk-in clinic, every Canadian wants to make the best use of any medical visit. Read on for the best ways to maximize your time during your next doctor's appointment.

1. Determine the goal of your appointment before you schedule it
"I'm sick." If you thought you could boil down your reasons for visiting the doctor into one simple catch-all phrase, think again.

People visit the doctor for a lot of different reasons, says Dr. Cathy MacLean, head of Family Medicine at the University of Calgary. Typically, patients schedule appointments because they aren't feeling well and have specific symptoms, but you may be scheduling an appointment for any number of reasons: a regular check-up, a follow-up visit, a wellness check unrelated to any negative symptoms, or a third party physical. You might even be scheduling an appointment as an advocate for someone else's medical concerns (such as a parent or child).

When you book your appointment, tell the receptionist why you're visiting the doctor so she can slot you in for an appropriate length of time. A prescription renewal won't take the same amount of time as a check-up. If you think you'll need more time than the average appointment allows, tell the receptionist.

2. Prepare before you go
If you've established the goal of your appointment beforehand, you can make the best use of your appointment by being prepared for face time with your doctor.

Make a list of your questions and concerns, starting with your key issues. Try to keep the list short -- most appointments should deal with one or two health issues and if you have your symptoms and concerns noted on paper beforehand, you won't miss anything important.

Keep these questions in mind while you're preparing for the appointment:
-What are your symptoms?
-How long have you had these symptoms?
-Are you aware of anything (food, activity, etc.) that seems to trigger your symptoms?
-Have there been any recent changes in your diet or lifestyle?

Click for more tips on how to prepare for your appointment...

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Keep a short medical history tucked into your wallet or purse, says Dr. Virgie Bright-Ellington, M.D., Internal Medicine and author of What Your Doctor Wants You to Know But Doesn't Have Time to Tell You (Hilton Publishing, 2009). It should include your allergies, a complete list of your medications and dosages as well as any over-the-counter supplements and vitamins you're taking. Keeping it in your wallet or purse will make your list easily accessible (and easy to maintain and update) when you need it.

Do a quick double-check before you head out: do you have your health care numbers and information with you?

3. Make the most of the visit
Be on time for your appointment. While it's true your appointment might be delayed because of unanticipated emergencies your doctor runs into during the course of her appointment day, don't start the appointment off on the wrong foot by showing up late. If you're scheduled for a 15-minute appointment and you're five minutes late, the doctor will be pressed to catch up.

If you think you might have paperwork or forms to fill out, show up early and get the paperwork done before the start time of your scheduled appointment.

Unforeseen emergencies are the mainstay of a doctor's life. If your appointment is unavoidably delayed, make the most of the wait time by bringing something along to work on while you wait. Crossword puzzles, a good book or a little project from the office will make the wait time pass quickly and efficiently.

Take notes -- your doctor knows you won't remember everything she says, especially if you're in uncharted medical territory. Jotting down key points during the course of the appointment will help you recall the details later and help set you up for follow-up appointments.

Notes taken during the appointment should include any prescription details and medical advice related to your doctor's diagnosis. If a follow-up visit seems indicated, make note of anything the doctor will want you to bring or to talk about at the next visit.

Medical appointments can be stressful. If you're worried about how well you're going to absorb and retain the information your doctor gives you, think about having an advocate -- a spouse, a sibling, or a friend -- go into the appointment with you.

Click for advice on how to follow up after your appointment...

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It's important to give your doctor all the information she needs to make an accurate diagnosis. Patients sometimes feel embarrassed by their symptoms or worried about what the doctor will think, but this isn't the time for modesty or vague descriptions. However personal and intimate your medical details might seem to you, remember that your doctor is a professional who's seen and heard it all before. Don't shortchange yourself and your successful medical diagnosis by giving incomplete or exaggerated information.

If your doctor recommends tests, make sure you understand what's being ordered and why. Don't be embarrassed to ask to have something repeated or explained in a simpler way.

If you don't understand the information your doctor is giving you -- whether it's because of a language barrier or medical terminology -- let the doctor know. Your health is far too important to let minor language and vocabulary issues stand in the way of an accurate diagnosis.

4. Maximize your advantage -- following up
Prepare for your follow-up visit in much the same way you prepared for the initial visit. Make a list of your questions and symptoms, including any changes you've noticed since the initial visit.

Regardless of your reasons for making a doctor's appointment, it's critical to understand that you are an important partner in your own health and treatment. Make the very best use of your time (and your doctor's time) by being prepared for the appointment and communicating your needs openly and clearly.

Is there a doctor near your house? Use our guide to find a doctor close to home.

Recommended Reading:
What Your Doctor Wants You to Know But Doesn't Have Time to Tell You by Dr. Virgie Bright-Ellington (Hilton Publishing, 2009).

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