Have you ever left a doctors appointment and then realized that you had forgotten to ask an important question or tell your doc your personal health information. Here are a few tips and tricks you can follow to avoid facing this issue.
The first step you can take is writing down a list of about 4 to 5 questions or concerns you have that you wish to discuss with your doctor. This way you wont forget to mention these important questions or concerns to to your doctor; you can bring up each question or concern in the beginning of your appointment so that your doctor is aware of what you wish to discuss.
The next step you can take is trying your hardest to stay focused on your main concerns. Although your doctor may want to spend quite a bit of time, each patient is only allotted a limited amount of time. In order to make best use of your time together, make sure you are sticking to your list of important questions and concerns and giving a brief and precise description of your symptoms, when they started & what makes them better or worse.
The third step to a productive doctors visit is to be honest with your doctor! It may be tempting to fib a little by saying what you think the doctor wants to hear, rather then telling the whole truth about your situation. An example of this could be that you have been smoking less or eating a more balanced diet, when you really have not. Although it is natural, it is not in your best interest to not tell the entire truth to your doctor.
The fourth step that is very important to not over look is to let your doctor know how you feel; whether that be rushed, uncomfortable, concerned or however you may feel after meeting and discussing your health concerns. If needed, you can even mention the idea of a follow up visit to continue discussing whatever concerns you may have. Always try to voice you opinions or concerns in a positive way and polite way.
Lastly, it is important to remember that your doctor may not have every answer for you. Even the best doctors sometimes don't have all the answers, usually most physicians will be direct and tell you when they do not have the answer for you. Typically they will help you find resources for your issue or refer you to a specialist who will know more about the particular issue.