Disclaimer: This blog will pertain to my U.S. readers; my suggestions may not apply to my international followers.
Part II: Prepare for Your Office Visit (continued from last blog).
Once you have found the provider that is right for you (I described this in my last blog, Part I), now is the time for you to prepare for your office visit. You assume you are there to get advice or treatment from your therapist or physician. This maybe the case, but there is so much more you can do to drive the narrative of this visit. But before you even arrive at the appointment, be clear about what you are searching for. I have a list of suggested preparation questions for you.
- Make a list of your symptoms or complaints you want the provider to know.
- Tell the provider everything. And I mean everything. If you give them only half of the information they need, then that is the amount of help you may get. For example, I have pain in my left elbow. I neglected to tell the doctor that fell on it last week, I didn’t say to the doctor that I took 4 Ibuprofen with no results. I also never mentioned that I have had this problem before. I never mentioned that I am a landscaper and lift heavy items all day. Why make this harder for the doctor and you? This goes back to my multiple personal experiences with people and patients I have known over the years. You laugh, but I have seen it all. I’m not sure of the reason for not disclosing everything to the provider. Maybe the person was embarrassed to tell the provider the truth that they played pickleball for the first time and overdid it.
- Lastly, make a complete list of all your questions, such as, would ice or heat help? should I go back to Physical Therapy that I had done in the past? Should I keep working at my job? others?
- Be concise and informative for the provider to help respond within the allotted time frame.
Who will go with you to the appointment? I recommend a joint visit for anyone over 70, and younger if necessary, with an advocate, partner, friend, spouse, or family member to go with you to the appointment. Especially if you are not well and easily overwhelmed. There is much information and many questions that can be missed. It is difficult to be both the patient and a good advocate for yourself. Mandatory joint visits for more serious office visits such as oncology, infectious disease, orthopedic, and pre-op appointments are highly recommended.
What other items would you add to or subtract from this list? What has been your experience? Your comments will help others. Hey, we’re in this together.
Susan E. Greisen 
Good stuff. The majority of our doctor’s appointments are joint. Sometimes we’re able to provide supplemental info to assist, and sometimes we hear or interpret somewhat differently. Or, forget a key moment. We’re lucky to have a local family doc. She listens well and spends 45-60 minutes with us, and is available via text after hours.
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This is music to my ears. You are such terrific advocates for each other. Even if one does not have a spouse or partner, find a good friend or family member go with you. The concept of what you want to tell your provider may seem like common sense on a piece of paper but when you are ill, the clarity is often gone. Go forth my friends and be well.
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