Before your appointment, take some time to write down all of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. You may think you’ll remember them once you’re at your appointment but it’s so easy to forget things once you’re actually there. It’s also a good idea to remind your healthcare provider of any relevant medical history.
It's also helpful to be prepared to talk about other things that might be troubling you that can affect your health. Maybe you're not as good at getting around as you used to be, are feeling a bit down, or have a new ache or pain affecting your sleep. Perhaps you're struggling to keep your house and garden under control or have a partner who snores. Your healthcare provider may well be able to help, but they can't help if they don't know what you're dealing with. Make a list of these broader aspects of life as well.
If you have a lot going on, or haven't seen a healthcare provider for a while, think about booking a double appointment slot to have more time to talk.
Before your appointment, write down any questions you might have. It’s so easy to refer to a list once you’re there. Remember, there’s no such thing as a silly question. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Health issues can sometimes be complicated and hard to understand so it’s completely normal to ask for something to be explained in a simpler way.
There's a really good resource developed by the Health Quality & Safety Commission, NZ called P.L.A.N. which you can find here.
Going to the doctor can be a bit nerve-wracking and overwhelming, especially if your appointment is regarding something you’re worried or embarrassed about. Having somebody there to support you can help you relax and feel more at ease. It's also another set of ears to pick up parts of the discussion you might not understand.
At the end of your appointment, ask your GP for a summary of what’s been discussed. Repeat it back so you’re sure you’ve understood it properly. It’s often a good idea to get your GP to write down any relevant information, especially concerning medication just to be certain you’ve got it right. And remember to ask if there are any next steps that need to be taken.
Sometimes it can be a bit embarrassing discussing things to do with your body or answering certain questions. But it’s really important that you tell the truth. Not telling the truth can actually be harmful as it can affect your diagnosis and care, or cause further issues if you have medications that don't mix, or symptoms you haven't talked about. If you lie or omit the truth, you’re only hurting yourself.
If you aren't already using ManageMyHealth, ask us about registering for this service. A patient portal is a convenient, secure online website where you can view your health record anytime and interact with your healthcare providers. Patient portals streamline communication between patient and provider, giving you more control over your own healthcare.
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