A visit to the doctor for routine consultation can often be an arduous effort. First there’s the actual preparation and rush to be on time for an early appointment and then the waiting at the hospital / clinic for your turn to come, which in some cases can extend into hours. This is followed by the task of explaining your complaints to the physician and understanding their treatment instructions and advice, all in a short time frame. In all this commotion I have often seen patients forget to discuss or share some important concern or information with the doctor. This often leads to multiple phone calls to the hospital in vain or revisiting the doctor for answers.

Given below are a few tips to help you get the most out of your medical appointment:

Advance appointment: It is always advisable to try and book the appointment with your physician few days before the due date. That way even if there is a delay, your treatment will not be interrupted or discontinued. Many hospitals / clinics now offer appointment booking over the phone.

Avoid taking children: Unless absolutely necessary, children should not accompany their elders to hospitals and specially into the consultant’s chamber. They can be a distraction to the doctor and can compromise the quality of the consultation process. It is also a health hazard for children as they might be exposed to various pathogens.

Get the most out of your visit to the physician

Pack essentials: If you expect a long waiting time at the hospital make sure you carry some water, etc. with you. If you have accompanying children, it is advisable to keep some snacks and a toy or two as well, to keep them busy while waiting.

Make a list: It is of utmost importance that you make a list of queries and problems before your visit to the doctor’s office. This will not only ensure that none of your concerns and queries are forgotten but will also save you time.

Limit and prioritise: If you have multiple health complaints concerning the same physician then it is best to note them down in a priority-wise list. Try to limit your complaints to three or four most pressing ones.

Carry your records: For the sake of convenience and proper follow-ups maintain a file of your medical records and take along the ones relevant to your current medical problem or treating physician. Apart from being of assistance to the doctor, this also shows seriousness and commitment to your health and the treatment process.

Do your homework: Most physicians appreciate knowledgeable patients. A bit of online search and reading can help you better understand your condition. It also reduces the number of questions that you had planned on asking during the consultation.

Avoid arguing: Regarding information available online and through elders, family and friends, do bear in mind that this can sometimes be misleading due to either unreliable sources or because the online information is generalised for a broader audience and may not be accurate on a case specific basis. Avoid arguing with your doctor on the basis of this information as the presentation, treatment and other management options for diseases can vary greatly, based on individual situations which the physician is in the best position to decide.

Don’t rush: Once in the doctor’s chamber take your time to inform the doctor of your problems, complaints and queries. The previously prepared list of complaints and queries really comes in handy at this time. Also try to listen to the doctor and do not interrupt him / her especially when he / she is writing the prescription or talking to you.

Discuss your expectations and results: Be open with your doctor about expected results and improvements you have noticed since initiating treatment.

Don’t go doctor shopping: In case of medical treatments it often takes a significant period of time for improvements to be noticeable. Ask your doctor about expected duration of treatment and improvement timelines.

Be truthful: Don’t withhold or falsify information from your doctor. Inform them about any other diseases or conditions that you or a family member might be suffering from, if asked. Also mention all treatments that you are taking whether allopathic, homeopathic or any other alternative medicine remedies.

Don’t rush into treatments: Undoubtedly, the doctor is the expert for recommending medical / surgical therapies. However, be careful not to rush into any decision, unless it is an acute emergency. Always weigh the pros and cons of the treatment in question, its price, feasibility, required duration of therapy and the possibility and frequency of retreatment if required.

The above points are just a brief summary to help you get the most out of your visit to the physician and are based on my personal experience as a consultant dermatologist. Their actual application is likely to vary on a case to case basis. Here’s wishing you the best of health.

The writer is Consultant Dermatologist & Cosmetologist

Twitter: @nav_derm

Email: dermadna@gmail.com

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, February 14th, 2016