Getting the Most out of Your Doctor's Visit

A guide to the most effective in-person doctor’s appointment.

Sometimes an upcoming trip to the doctor can leave us in a state of unease. What if we forget something? What if the news is bad?

These anxieties are normal, and can even be preventable if we are just a little more prepared before going in. There are a few things you can do to ease your anxiety and make sure your appointment goes smoothly.

This month we focus on in-person appointments. If you will be seeing your doctor via Telehealth, see our previous blog the Guide to the Most Effective Telehealth Session.

clcike here: Guide to the most Effective Telehealth Session

Things to do a few days before your in-person appointment :

Soon after making your appointment, you will often get paperwork to be filled out in advance via email. Here’s why it's a good idea to actually fill it out ahead of time:
- Often doctors schedules are pretty tight. You want to maximize your time getting care and get your questions answered, not waste it filling out paperwork in the waiting room.
Make sure you don’t need a referral from your primary care doctor to see this doctor.
Check that this doctor accepts your insurance and that you are “in-network”, especially if this is your first time at this office.
If there are multiple offices within the same practice, confirm which office your appointment is scheduled at and make sure you know how to get there.
Check if there’s parking available.
See if you are able to bring a companion.
- Having a friend or family member may be helpful to take down important information, or if you are having trouble getting around they can assist you.
Make sure the doctor has everything the may need for your appointment
- If you had tests ordered like X-rays or bloodwork. Be sure to complete those orders at least 24hrs before the appointment or as specified by your doc.
- Have the results sent over to the doc in advance. Extra points if you bring your own copy.
Write down questions you have for the doctor and bring them with you.

Day of:

You will likely need:
- A form of identification
- Your insurance information
- Your previous medical history (if visiting a new office)
Arrive 15 minute early (Spoiler - don’t expect to be taken in early just because you arrive early). This will actually just help you get in to the doc on time for your time slot.
Be sure to ask all of your questions, even the scary ones.
Take a copy of any lab reports or imaging reports that were reviewed with you. Also take home your CD with any advanced imaging like MRIs or CT scans.
Make your follow-up appointment while you are in the office. You can always change it if needed but it’s good to get something on the books.

After your appointment:

Follow through on any tests the doc ordered.
- If you are having second thoughts on the necessity of the test, message the doctor for further clarification.
- If you ultimately decide against it, let the doc know you won’t be having the test done.