How to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment
Effective communication plays an essential role all over the world, but especially in healthcare. The inability to accurately understand your provider and your provider understand your needs could compromise your health. When a conversation takes place, communication barriers are likely to rise. These communication barriers could be interpersonal, cultural, social, language, physical, or emotional. Most people are unaware of the communication barriers that occur at their appointment. To break communication barriers, you first need to understand what’s not working.
UNC Health Appalachian would like to eliminate communication barriers as much as possible by asking patients to follow the tips below when going to an appointment with their healthcare provider.
Make a List
A few days before your appointment, start creating a list of topics you would like to discuss with your healthcare provider. By creating a list, you can ensure your concerns are being addressed. Try to choose the top two or three topics you would like to discuss, to ensure you have enough time. Having a list with you at your appointment will help prevent you from “going blank” when sitting in the exam room.
Be Open
When talking with your provider, let them know exactly how you feel about an issue. The key is to be as truthful as possible when speaking with your provider about your health. Do not exaggerate or undermine any symptom you are experiencing. If you are discussing a sensitive topic, try and be as open as possible. The more you let your provider in, the sooner you can get treatment.
Speak Up
Speak up if you do not understand what your provider is explaining. Ask your provider for further explanation about your diagnosis or medication if you want more information. If needed, repeat back what you understood from the conversation to the nurse or the provider. By repeating the information you understood, you allow that person to clarify what they meant. If you are having a hard time hearing the provider or if they are using expressions you are not familiar with, ask them to reexplain the information in a different way. It’s okay to ask your provider questions if you do not understand their advice
Be Prepared
Walk into your appointment with confidence knowing you have played your part to make your appointment a success! Follow the tips below to ensure you are prepared for your appointment.
- Make sure to take your medications with you or bring an updated list of medications to the appointment.
- Write down the treatment plan that the provider gives you at the end of your appointment.
- Bring a friend or family member to the appointment. Having someone with you will be helpful for those who forget or tend to “zone out” during a doctor’s appointment.
- Bring your most up to date insurance card and a photo ID. Your most recent insurance card will ensure the office is billing the correct insurance company.
- Arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to ensure all necessary forms are completed.
- If you are seeing a new provider, complete the forms prior to your appointment to avoid feeling rushed.
- Make sure your provider has all necessary past medical records for the appointment. For example, if you are seeing a new provider for a colonoscopy consult, make sure to request any past colonoscopy reports or any colon surgery notes be sent to your new provider’s office.
