Maximizing Your Time with Your Doctor How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointments with Healthcare Providers Time with your doctor can be limited these days. Most primary care physicians see about 20 a day and spend on average 18 minutes with a patient during a typical visit. But with some preparation and planning, you can maximize time with your healthcare provider and get more out of your appointment. Explore Telehealth Options Many healthcare providers have begun offering more telehealth options to address patient needs. When contacting your healthcare provider, find out if such telehealth options as virtual appointments through online videoconferencing or phone calls are available and if they are a good fit for your particular health situation. Share Medical Records and Test Results Before Your Visit By making sure your doctor has your previous diagnostic work prior to your visit, your healthcare provider has the opportunity to gain important background information about your medical situation before consulting with you. Arrive Early but Be Prepared to Wait Arriving about 15 to 20 minutes before your 14
in-person appointment will give you adequate time to fill out paperwork, use the restroom and take care of other check-in items. By getting to the appointment early, you ensure your actual appointment time with your healthcare provider is not taken up with these other tasks. Even if you arrive early, you may still have to wait to see your doctor, so allot yourself plenty of time for the appointment. Don’t Go Alone Having a friend, loved one or hired advocate with you during an office visit gives you another set of eyes and ears. Ask your companion to take notes or consider asking your health care provider if he or she is OK with you making an audio recording of the visit for your future reference. Your appointment buddy can be a good sounding board and also may be able to offer insight to the doctor about any health issues you are having. Take a List of Your Medicines and Supplements Rather than relying on memory, take a list of your prescription and over-the-counter medications, supplements, vitamins, herbs and nutraceuticals and their dosages. Include how frequently you take them. Bring them in their prescription bottles or store packaging if that’s easier for you. By accurately sharing with your medical provider what medications and supplements you are taking and how much and how frequently you are taking them, you reduce the chances of negative drug interactions. Summarize Your Medical History Have in hand a summary of your allergies, surgeries, vaccinations, family medical history and diagnosed conditions. Aging Resources 2021–2022
