Health: 5 Tips For A Stress-Free Doctor’s Visit

By James Fox on March 12, 2010, 8:25 am

Going to the doctor for even a routine check-up can be extremely stressful. The waiting, the bills and the needles…ahhh! You can have a stress-free visit if you’re prepared and ready to go.

Scheduling For Success

Timing is everything when it comes to visiting your doctor. Picking an appointment at the right time of day could mean no waiting and prompt service. Tip #1: If you can, schedule your appointment for first thing in the morning (first visit if possible) or right after lunch. The office is less likely to be backed up during this time of day. Tip #2: Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early. You may be required to update information or if, by some miracle, they’re running ahead of schedule, you may be able to squeeze in a little earlier. Sometimes patients do not show up for scheduled visits. If this happens to be the visit right before yours you could slide right into their spot and get out earlier than anticipated.

Don’t get discouraged if you end up waiting. Expect it, especially if your visit is at the end of the day. Bring bills to pay or something to read and try to be patient. While you can’t control delays you can make sure you’re prepared. Which leads us to Tip #3: Be Prepared. If you take a lot of medications type up a list. Include the name of the medication, strength, dosage and time last taken. This will save oodles of time and will allow the doctor to completely assess what your needs are.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

You may have rehearsed the questions you wanted to ask but once you get in the exam room your mind goes blank. Tip#4: Write your questions down. Don’t be afraid to whip out that little piece of paper with your questions on it. The doctor will be happy to answer your questions especially when you come prepared. Keep a pen handy to right down relevant information you’re likely to forget once you leave the office.

 

Tip#5: Bring a friend. Especially if you’re getting a new diagnosis. Everyone needs an advocate and a third party who’s not feeling the stress of the visit will keep you calm and help you remember the important stuff.

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