At times, going to the doctor's office for a medical evaluation or treatment can be stressful. When you are at the doctor's office, you get poked with needles, asked a lot of questions, and on top of this, most of the time you don't feel well. Additionally, there are many other reasons as to why people get worried, stressed, or anxious at the doctor's office. People tend to be worried in case the doctor finds anything serious, people are worried that they will forget to tell the doctor something important, and much more. In order to help you feel more comfortable, Medivizor has put together tips to help you feel more confident and have a better trip to the doctor's office after an injury accident. We have divided the tips into before visiting the doctor, and what to do at the doctor's office.
What should you do before a doctor's appointment?
The first tip involves an activity called list writing. When you are comfortable in a relaxed setting, sit down and write down all of your symptoms and known injuries on a sheet of paper. This can help you make sure that you tell the doctor about all of your symptoms, and with the list you don't have to worry about forgetting something. Another tip before going to the office is to do some research on your own. Just by googling your symptoms and getting an idea of what's wrong, can help you and the doctor in the office setting. One last tip for before visitng the doctor or medical provider is to leave your embarrassment at home. Doctors have spent years training and understand the human body, and are typically very professional. Although some topics may not be “table talk”, they are appropriate in the medical office environment.
What should you do at a doctor's appointment?
When going to the doctor's office, one thing that makes people feel comfortable is bringing a close friend or family member. They can comfort you as well as take notes, and even talk to the doctor in case you forget to mention something important. Another good piece of advice is using the strategy of "teach back." Teach back is a strategy to make sure you remember and understand what the doctor tells you. If your doctor tells you something important, repeat it back to him and ask any questions if you are unsure. This way you remember what he tells you, and you understand why. Lastly, don't fear asking questions. Before you leave the doctor's office you should be able to answer these three questions by yourself.
What's my main medical problem?
What do I need to do after a doctor's appointment?
Why is it important for me to do this after seeing a doctor?
When you go to the doctor's office, make sure you find the answers to these three questions. This will help you understand what exactly is wrong with you and what you need to do in order to fix the problem and feel better.
