How to Successfully Navigate Your Doctor Visits

By Donna Stark 

If you ever watched an episode of Little House on the Prairie, you would know that seeing the local town physician wasn't all that difficult. For the most part, the doctor would get word that someone wasn't feeling well, would rush over to provide care, and would leave with a loaf of bread in one hand and maybe a chicken or two in the other. But nowadays, that type of simplicity is gone and the process of receiving the care that you need can oftentimes be filled with confusion, angst, and frustration, not to mention it can be a lot more expensive than that loaf of bread.

Navigating Your Doctor Visits

In order to eliminate as much of the negativity during your medical appointments as you can, it is always good to nurture your relationship with your doctor, know what to expect, and be prepared. Take a look at the following bits of information on how you can make your visits work more in your favor.

Two Types

Let's start at the beginning first. There are basically two types of doctor visits ... urgent care visits and routine visits. Urgent care visits are those that you make for immediate medical care. They may occur at your doctor's office, an urgent care center, or your local emergency room, depending on the severity of the issue. Routine visits are those made for yearly wellness physicals, follow-up care, or predetermined tests.

At the Visit

No matter which type of visit you are making, you want to make sure you are completely prepared. Here are some tips to consider before you head out the door to see your doctor.

• Have a clear understanding of why you are seeking care
• Make a list of symptoms and when they occur so nothing is forgotten during the visit
• Bring a list of medications you are taking, and any lab results if required
• Know your medical history (keep a copy of it if you find it difficult to remember)
• Prepare a list of questions or concerns in advance
• Ask a loved one to accompany you on the visit and to take notes
• Ask the doctor to summarize his or her diagnosis, treatment, and recommendations for you
• Have a clear understanding of the treatment plan and goals before you leave
• Ask if another appointment needs to be made and do it there so you don't forget to later on

Healthcare Happiness

Even though today's healthcare isn't as simple as what it was many years ago, there are still plenty of ways to keep it confusion and frustration-free. And if you really want to go the extra mile, a homemade loaf of bread for your doctor wouldn't hurt either!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Loganville, Ga.