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May 20, 2009

Maximize doctor visits

By Kashi Read more daily challenge, health advice, and organizing
Challenge Yourself for: 24 Hours

Healthcare and busy lifestyles being what they are, many of us see our physicians for specific annoyances only, and are in and out of their offices without taking full advantage of the visit. The next time you visit the doctor, challenge yourself to create a list of questions. Some tips: • Write down health issues that have been on your mind, but aren’t necessarily urgent, and be prepared to discuss them. • Consider refilling prescriptions. • Ask them to look at any worrisome conditions you’ve been living with, like moles that have changed.

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  1. 48_fun profile photos 004
    EcoAli commented on this. 4 months ago

    Instead of going through the usual passive (on my part) Q&A at the doctor’s office, today I went through a list of questions I had prepared for the doctor. As a result of my assertive questioning, I’m going to be trying a new medication that may be more effective than the one I’ve taken for the past year or more, and it’ll cost me $56.00 less per month!

  2. User_48
    jwilby2 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I have a quarterly check up scheduled for 08/15/09 to check my blood pressure and get my sleep study results. I usually write down everything I want to speak to my doctor about prior to the visit since he seems to want to rush throught the appointment. Also, as a rule, I get prescription refills of all my medication every visit so I always have a prescription on file at the pharmacy.

  3. 48_brenda
    Brendat5 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    My doctor actually got me started doing this because she is very thorough. I have a spiral notebook with pockets and just like my doctor I make notes or she will give me copies and everything stays in one book. I write down everything that comes my way that is medical and when I do have an appointment we, my doctor and I go over my book. She adds her ideas of what’s going on. I have 5 spirals of medical information. Dated and ready for any doctor that I may go to.

  4. 48_me_and_danny
    cynsations commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I always make a list of questions before seeing my doctor. Since I have diabetes, it is especially important that I have lab work done every 3 months and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

  5. User_48
    supercafony commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Right now I am 34 weeks pregnant and I had been seeing the doctor every month now every 2 weeks. I would be checked and let go. I started asking more specific questions instead of being rushed out the door because I need to know if somethings were normal because they didn’t happen when I had my daughter. I started taking my husband so that way he could ask his questions too. We feel better about our doctor and about us in the process.

  6. User_48
    samijon6 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    i have a disabling nerve disorder and write down all symptoms each day so i can discuss them with my doctor at each visit. i might not have the same pains each day, so writing them down helps me track them better and lets the doctor know if the current combintion of meds is working.

  7. 48_jaye2
    SaraFimm commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Previous bloodwork indicated a need to increase fluid – especially water – intake. Current (today) bloodwork indicates I am making progress!

  8. User_48
    pja08 commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Have updated all prescriptions that are due at this time. Have an appointment with my therapist tomorrow at 8:30 AM

  9. User_48
    marwiggin commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I’m 42 and got my results from my yearly mammogram. They found nothing!!!!!!

  10. User_48
    sk8ladyb commented on this. over 2 years ago

    I actually printed out the surgeries I have had over the years and print it out to take with me to the doctor’s office if anything new has happened. I always keep copies of my blood work ups to compare any changes. This has been very helpful when looking at control over my diabetes. Not only can the doctor see how hard I have worked with lifestyle changes I can measure them as well.

  11. User_48
    nutsnacker commented on this. over 2 years ago

    Each time I go to the doctor,which isn’t often,I take a list of everything that is going on with me.Sometimes things you woulnd’t think are related to each other actually are.