Making the Most of Your Doctor"s Appointment If You Are Diabetic
The key to making the most of any doctor's appointment is to be prepared.
You need to ask yourself this series of questions and to write out a list of questions for your doctor.
If you are diabetic, this is especially true.
There are many chronic diseases (associated with diabetes) that can be prevented or treated with the proper information.
The Questions - Why are you visiting the doctor? Answer this question - this is your presenting problem.
- When did the presenting problem start? - Do you know of anything that started this problem? - Have you had this problem before? (If you have had this problem before, what did you do then?) - Is there any pain associated with this problem? Have you taken anything or done anything to decrease the problem? Is there any activity that increases the pain? Preparation Be prepared.
It is best if you write the answer to these questions down and take them with you (that way you will not forget important issues).
The Appointment Arrive for the appointment at least 15 minutes early.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Take with you: 1.
All your prescription medications 2.
All herbs, vitamins, and over the counter medications 3.
If this is your first visit to this doctor - take any medical records that you have.
4.
If you are female - know when you last had a period (could you be pregnant?).
Know when you last had a pap smear and mammogram.
5.
Take a book or magazine (this gives you something to do while waiting).
6.
A list of any allergies (food, bee stings, and medications) and the type of allergy (rash, breathing difficulties, swelling) 7.
A notebook to write down instructions and to take your questions for the doctor 8.
Your insurance cards.
If you have no insurance - be sure to share this with your doctor.
They may know resources to help you if you should need follow-up tests, a specialist, or other medical care.
Conclusion Visiting a doctor is not the most pleasant event in your life.
It does not have to be stressful, if you are prepared.
You need to ask yourself this series of questions and to write out a list of questions for your doctor.
If you are diabetic, this is especially true.
There are many chronic diseases (associated with diabetes) that can be prevented or treated with the proper information.
The Questions - Why are you visiting the doctor? Answer this question - this is your presenting problem.
- When did the presenting problem start? - Do you know of anything that started this problem? - Have you had this problem before? (If you have had this problem before, what did you do then?) - Is there any pain associated with this problem? Have you taken anything or done anything to decrease the problem? Is there any activity that increases the pain? Preparation Be prepared.
It is best if you write the answer to these questions down and take them with you (that way you will not forget important issues).
The Appointment Arrive for the appointment at least 15 minutes early.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Take with you: 1.
All your prescription medications 2.
All herbs, vitamins, and over the counter medications 3.
If this is your first visit to this doctor - take any medical records that you have.
4.
If you are female - know when you last had a period (could you be pregnant?).
Know when you last had a pap smear and mammogram.
5.
Take a book or magazine (this gives you something to do while waiting).
6.
A list of any allergies (food, bee stings, and medications) and the type of allergy (rash, breathing difficulties, swelling) 7.
A notebook to write down instructions and to take your questions for the doctor 8.
Your insurance cards.
If you have no insurance - be sure to share this with your doctor.
They may know resources to help you if you should need follow-up tests, a specialist, or other medical care.
Conclusion Visiting a doctor is not the most pleasant event in your life.
It does not have to be stressful, if you are prepared.
