Going to the Doctor can be an overwhelming and anxiety inducing experience for many people. Unlike going to the dentist for yearly checkups, many people only go to the doctor when they have a problem. You can reduce that anxiety if you do just a little bit of prep work before your appointment. By going into your appointment a little more prepared you will have a much more meaningful visit.
Before you go in for your visit, have a list of any questions or concerns that you would like to be addressed. By having questions ready, you will be less likely to forget something you wanted to be covered. Ask your provider about medication and treatment options.
Bring a notebook to take any notes: Visits are short and often a lot of information is exchanged. By having a notebook to take notes, you will be able to reference your discussion later.
Build a relationship with your Provider. When you are visiting with your Provider, they will present treatment options. Treatments can consist of both medicine and non-medicine options. As the treatments options are presented by your provider, together you will discuss the pros and cons of each option. Ultimately you want to make an informed decision that you feel comfortable with. We call this Share Decision making when you discuss treatment options with your Provider. Shared Decision making is a great way for you to also feel part of your treatment process.
Utilizing all the resources your doctor's clinic have, such as dietitians, Social Work or Clinical Pharmacists. We call this taking a team based approach. Clinics have a lot of really great recourses. Don't feel forget to ask your provider what they have available in your clinic.
Be sure to continue regular follow ups with your provider. Regularly seeing your medical provider will allow you to stay on top of your health as much as is possible. By regularly going to the doctor, you will build a relationship and level of comfort with all those in the medical office and not just the doctors themselves. Making sure to be consistent on these appointments is especially important as we get older.
Build a Healthcare Binder to keep track of your medications and healthcare
One of the best ways to take ownership and take charge or your healthcare is with organization. I have put together some Digital Templates that can be purchased on Etsy for a quick way to build your own personalized Healthcare Battle Binder. Included in these templates is a page to have for your appointments.
For access to the entire 23 page Healthcare Battle Binder Digital Templates click the links below. To see what other Disease State Battle Binders I have available check out my Etsy store at https://thehumblerxmom.etsy.com
**Please take note, my views are my own and are not associated or representative of my employer(s). This website and its associated platforms are for education purposes only and not medical advice. (If one wants to establish a relationship in which individual circumstances can be evaluated please send a message)
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