WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s not uncommon for 20-somethings to find themselves in a doctor’s office panicking and texting their moms for help answering questions. Patients of any age may have difficulty recalling all the medications they take or forget to mention a certain problem.
Making the most of your doctor’s visit requires some preparation in advance. Even professionals plan ahead.
“Even for me as a physician going to my own family physician, it’s hard to remember the things I want to bring up,” said Dr. Sarah Nosal, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “The worst thing is when you’re in that moment with the doctor” only to walk out and remember another issue, she said. “You’ve lost that time.”
Her top tip: Bring a list of symptoms and questions to present at the beginning of your visit. The first item should be your biggest concern, but reviewing the complete list can help your doctor prioritize the most urgent medical matters.
“I can actually see, are there red flags?” explains Nosal, who has some advice for preparing for a typical primary care visit.
Your primary care doctor monitors your overall health
Some conditions require help from a specialist such as a cardiologist or rheumatologist. But no matter your age or health status, research has long shown that the relationship with your primary care provider is important for overall health. It could be a family doctor like Nosal who cares for all ages, or it could be an internist. Some patients choose a gynecologist, geriatrician, or have a primary care team that includes a nurse practitioner or physician assistant.
Primary care is more than just preventive check-ups to help avoid disease, such as vaccinations, cancer screenings or health advice. It also includes detecting and treating common problems such as high blood pressure and helping find and coordinate professional care.
“This ongoing relationship also helps me understand your ‘normal,'” Nosal explains. “If something is different or changes, or you’re not feeling well, when you give me that information and I get to know you over time, we can really figure out together what’s going on.”
Get your family tested before making an appointment
Young people who are dealing with health care on their own for the first time may need help filling out forms containing their personal medical history. Have you ever had general anesthesia? Have you had your tetanus shot?
If you still have access to the patient portal at your former pediatrician’s office, you can review records of vaccinations and preexisting conditions, or you may have to ask them or give parents a quiz.
Family medical history is important for people of all ages and needs to be updated regularly. Ask your close relatives what illnesses they have and how they are doing. For example, if type 2 diabetes runs in a family, or a grandmother had a stroke, or someone had cancer at a young age, this information can help you tailor preventive care, Nosal said.
Complete your documents before visiting
Filling out paperwork at home makes it easier to check the name and dosage of your pill bottle. Include prescription and over-the-counter medications, pills or creams, and don’t forget vitamins and supplements.
Why is the latter important? Some can interact with prescription drugs. Nosal cited examples of patients whose long-term treatments stopped working after they started taking turmeric, a spice also sold as a supplement.
Also, before your visit, check to see if your doctor has received records of recent lab tests, hospitalizations, or visits with other healthcare providers, as electronic medical records are not always shared automatically.
Keep a running list of questions before seeing your doctor
Some symptoms are severe enough to require emergency medical attention. But if you have an upcoming checkup, whether it’s a routine checkup or to follow up on a health issue, make a list of questions ahead of time.
Notice pain when you move a certain way? Or chatting with a friend who just had a colonoscopy and wondering if you’re due? Put these on your list now and describe the symptoms specifically before you forget.
Nosal keeps a running list on her phone and sends it as a reminder through her patient portal before seeing her own doctor. Patients can also include their list on the visit registration form.
The idea is to address the most pressing issues first, rather than leaving patients without time before asking critical questions. Questions about mental or sexual health and wellness are especially likely to arise at the last minute, Nosal said.
No matter the medium, “bring this list,” she says. “That’s the most critical part of all.”
Just ask again
People may know to ask questions about treatment, such as how well it works and what side effects to expect. But it’s also important to understand why your doctor made a specific diagnosis or, conversely, why your doctor isn’t as concerned about a certain symptom as you are.
Don’t hesitate to say: “Explain to me what else could happen,” Nosal advises. “What’s next? What would you say about me, knowing this or that?”
Most health advocacy groups also recommend bringing a friend or relative with you, especially if you have severe or multiple health conditions. They can help ask questions and take notes.
“Whether you’re 20 or 85, you’re not going to remember everything from your visit,” Nosal said.
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The Associated Press Health & Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The Associated Press is solely responsible for all content.
