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Making the most of your doctor’s appointment Words: Jade Coulon Seeing the doctor can be stressful, overwhelming and sometimes rushed. Below are some top tips to help you get the most out of your appointment.
Book a double appointment
An appointment with the doctor is your time to discuss any health-related concerns. If you think you may need more time with your GP because you have more than one health concern, or you want to talk about something particularly complex or sensitive, book a double appointment to make sure you have enough time to discuss everything.
Prepare
When you’re sat in front of a doctor, you can easily forget to say important things. Before your appointment, think carefully about what you want to discuss and write it down in as much detail as possible. For example, if you’re experiencing pain, is it dull, sharp or tender? Does it start after a certain activity or at a particular time of the day?
Take someone with you
You don’t have to attend appointments alone. If you’re particularly nervous, take someone you trust with you. As well as offering support, another person in the room can ensure you don’t forget anything important to say, and can listen to the doctor’s advice or follow-up actions which you may find hard to remember yourself if you’re nervous.
Ask questions
Healthcare professionals can sometimes forget that we don’t all understand medical talk. If you don’t understand something or would like more information, you’re allowed to ask them questions. They are there to give you information, advice and reassurance, so feel free to ask about anything that may be unclear with your diagnosis or medication. You
