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Ten Minutes With The Doctor
Doctors’ appointments notoriously take two or three times longer than they should and the time spent waiting impacts both the patient and family member. Because you are spending long hours waiting, it is critically important that you use that time to get completely prepared for the visit.
We recommend getting a journal or notebook that you take with you to every medical appointment. Use the journal to write down any questions and comments that you have for the doctor. Be prepared to check them off as the doctor answers them. Keep asking until you understand and feel satisfied with each response. Here is a statistic that we hear from time to time: After the doctor asks what brought you to the office, he or she waits an average of 17 seconds before interrupting. We know that doctors are busy, but, still, you have the right to get all the information and your questions on the table for discussion.
Here are some other tips to help you prepare for that 10-minute visit with the doctor:
- Maintain and bring with you an up-to-date medication list that includes all prescription and non-prescription items that your loved one takes.
- In your journal, bring any information that you think will be important to the doctor, such as weight changes, temperature, blood pressure, blood sugar levels and level of pain.
- Between visits, make a note in the journal of any unusual symptoms experienced by your loved one. This might include night sweats, nausea, lack of appetite, insomnia, fatigue, confusion or anxiety.
- Create your list of questions and comments for the doctor.
- Finally, be sure to bring the journal with you when you visit the doctor.
There is another point that bears repeating. Because doctors are rushed, they sometimes take the efficient route of addressing themselves to you, as caregiver, particularly if your loved one has some mental deterioration. Speak up, and be sure that the doctor talks to the patient as well. Including your loved ones is a subtle way to prevent them from feeling total loss of control. You, as caregiver, can still play the major role while your loved one retains his or her sense of dignity and self-worth. So, get that journal ready for your next medical visit. Bring along a funny book or article as well to share with your loved one while you wait for that 10-minute visit.
* The articles contained in this section are for informational and editorial purposes ONLY. Always consult with your medical provider to assess your individual needs.
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