Doctor's Visit - How to Feel Confident and Not Be Intimidated When Asking Your Doctor Questions

By Sharon Petty
When making your appointment make the receptionist aware that you will have question for the doctor during your visit, this gives the office an opportunity if possible to arrange extra time for your appointment. You should prepare for your doctors visit by making a list of questions a few days before your visit. Review your

questions with someone you trust, your spouse, an adult child,a sibling, a wise adult, an nurse advocate, health coach.

As much as it is possible, try to organize your question so that your answers will be Yes or No, this will keep you from being overwhelmed with medical terminology when the doctor gives their answer.Share with them what you need to get out of this visit and that you need their help to make sure your questions are clear and concise enough to get the answers you need.

Try to keep the number of questions to no more than five, most doctors have a limited amount of time between patients. Be realistic about the amount of time your doctor can spend with you.

As an example if you focus is get clarity concerning your diagnosis you need to make sure you have a clear understanding the body system this diagnosis will effect. What activity change will be needed, what diet changes will be needed. ASK WHAT LIFE STYLE CHANGES CAN YOU DO TO IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH.

Make sure you ask questions that will give you information which will empower you to make a better decision.

Make sure you understand the care plan what will be first,second,third etc. Ask about any waiting time in between test and treatment. Make sure you understand fully any the preparation you will need before testing, by repeating the instructions to the person giving them to you will consist of and the steps to be taken. If you will need to take off work will you need a recovery time if so how many hours?

Make eye to eye contact with the doctor to creates an engaging conversation by both parties. If the doctors answer did not address your question be honest and tell them you are not clear, follow up by re phasing the question. Should you leave the office or emergency room with a new drug make sure you understand the expected outcome of the drug how long you will need to take them and how often, do you need to take them with food, most important what is the expected outcome. Above all make sure you understand why the drug was prescribed for you, agin what is the expected outcome Remember in most cases drugs should be used for a period of time, as a bridge, until your body has re-balanced. Ask what you can do to improve your condition so that in the future you can be weaned off of the medication. Make sure you understand the doctor plan of care regarding this drug.

You should leave your doctor with notes written by your self to refer to and review with your family and or care giver list of your question.

Make sure you leave your doctor office with all the office number and email addresses and leave the doctor with the same information for yourself.

Do not leave the office without a follow up appointment.

Sharon Petty graduated from nursing school as a registered nurse. She was accepted for training as Intensive Care Nurse where she worked for many years in the ICU. In 1980 Sharon trained in Emergency Medicine where she worked for 20 years. In conjunction with Emergency Medicine she worked as a patient advocate between the health insurance,patient, and the primary care provider.
My Life Passion
Since the age of 14 Sharon has studied continuously, to improving her knowledge on integrated health and wellness. She has a passion to educate the public on how to optimize their health. Currently she is studying to obtain a Master Degree in integrated medicine and to develop wellness camps around the globe coaching others in aging without disease. Current she works as a health coach and can be reached



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