How to Be Your Own Best Advocate at a Doctor’s Appointment
By Stacy Waldron, PhD, Bryan Medical Center Counseling Center
Going to the doctor can be anxiety inducing for anyone. For those who struggle with mental health concerns or general anxiety on a daily basis, it can seem overwhelming to the point where one might skip going altogether. But that's not a good idea!
This might sound familiar: You go to your doctor and think, “I have a list of questions that I need answered today.” But you end up going home feeling that you didn’t even begin to ask your first question! Sadly, this happens to many patients who feel rushed at their doctor’s appointments or who become overwhelmed with the questions they are asked.
Prepare for Basic Questions First
In today’s world, the visit starts with the standard COVID inquiry and then you have to answer insurance information and basic questions about your address and emergency contact before you can get past the receptionist.
Once you have made it past the waiting area, you are rushed to the scale (which can be traumatic all by itself) and then off to present those vital statistics – blood pressure, temperature, respirations and pulse. You’ll be asked to review medications and how you are taking them, and you might not remember how to spell half of them, much less pronounce them or when you last took them. All of this can occur before you are asked, “Why are you here?”
Wow, this feels overwhelming just writing about it. Going through the experience is even more daunting. No wonder many of us feel uncomfortable about asking questions or find it difficult to explain what we’re feeling or “why we are here.”
You and Your Doctor are a Team
Yet, you and your doctor are actually working together as a team. In order for the doctor to offer optimal care, you must provide information so that the doctor can examine, diagnose and treat the problem. If you feel too uncomfortable to voice your concerns, the doctor cannot do their job.
Here are some pointers for when you feel as if you “lose your voice” as soon as the white coat comes through the door:
- Think about what you want to ask before you go and WRITE IT DOWN. Bringing a list of questions with you to the doctor’s office is an excellent tool to make sure that you get all of your questions answered.
- Bring a notepad with you to write down the information you are told. Many times you receive instructions for the treatment plan, but you also might want to ask a question that is not part of the care plan. Making notes will help you remember everything that’s been said during the visit.
- If you know that you are going to be overwhelmed, bring a friend or family member with you to help you listen and ask the questions. Having a support person with you can be very helpful during a doctor’s visit.
- Be prepared for all of the preliminary questions and work-up before the doctor gets in the room. It is necessary so that the doctor can do a good job. The questions that you are asked by the nurse or receptionist means that the doctor will be given this important information. It also will ensure that your bill is paid correctly, which will definitely give you some peace of mind.
- Always feel comfortable in calling back after the appointment if you have additional questions. This is a working relationship and you can only do your part if you fully understand what is required of you.
These tips will help to make you feel empowered the next time you step into a doctor’s office. After all, YOU are your best advocate!
If you are struggling, take a free, confidential, behavioral health screening here. Print the results and take them with you to your appointment so that your caregiver will have all the information they need to make sure you get the best care.
