WASHINGTON — It's quite common for individuals in their twenties to reach out to their parents in a moment of uncertainty while at the doctor's office, often seeking help to navigate various questions. Regardless of age, many patients find it challenging to remember their medications or to communicate all their concerns adequately during a visit.
To ensure a productive consultation with your doctor, advance preparation is crucial. Even medical professionals like Dr. Sarah Nosal, the president of the American Academy of Family Physicians, recognize the difficulty of recalling important discussion points during a visit.
It can be really tough — even I struggle to remember what I wanted to ask my family doctor, Dr. Nosal admits. She explains that it's frustrating to leave a consultation only to recall an additional concern afterward, feeling like time has been wasted.
Her top advice? Prepare a comprehensive list of symptoms and inquiries to present at the beginning of your visit, prioritizing your main concern to help your doctor identify any urgent health issues.
Your Primary Care Provider: The Foundation of Good Health
Although some ailments require specialized care from professionals like cardiologists or rheumatologists, maintaining a consistent relationship with a primary care provider is essential for everyone. This might be a family physician, internist, or another healthcare professional.
Primary care encompasses more than just preventive measures like vaccinations and screenings; it also involves the detection and treatment of common health issues, including high blood pressure and the coordination of any necessary specialty care.
Having that ongoing relationship helps me understand what's normal for you. If something changes, I can work with you to address those changes effectively, Dr. Nosal explains.
Consult Your Family Before the Appointment
Younger adults might encounter challenges while filling out forms that require personal health history. Inquiries such as whether you've previously undergone general anesthesia or if your tetanus shot is up to date can be essential.
If they still have access to a patient portal from a former pediatrician, young adults can retrieve vaccination records or review prior illnesses, or they may need to seek out this information from their parents.
Family medical histories are crucial and must be regularly updated. Knowing diseases that affect close relatives can guide preventive measures, as illnesses like Type 2 diabetes or cancer can have familial patterns.
Complete Relevant Paperwork Before Your Visit
Pre-completing paperwork at home allows for easier verification of medication bottles and ensures that you include both prescription and over-the-counter drugs—plus vitamins and supplements, which can affect treatment outcomes. For instance, Dr. Nosal mentioned that some patients have experienced waning effectiveness of treatments after starting turmeric supplements.
Before attending your appointment, confirm that your doctor has access to your recent lab results or records from other healthcare providers, as electronic medical records may not be consistently shared across platforms.
Maintain an Ongoing List of Questions
Whether it's for a regular check-up or follow-up on existing health issues, developing a running list of questions can be highly effective. If you've noticed unusual symptoms, jot them down quickly so you won't forget during your appointment.
Dr. Nosal often notes her questions on her phone and shares them in advance through her patient portal. By addressing the most pressing matters first, patients can avoid running out of time to discuss vital concerns, especially regarding sensitive issues like mental or sexual health.
Please bring that list — it's crucial, Dr. Nosal urges.
Don't Hesitate to Ask for Clarifications
Patients often feel comfortable discussing treatment options but can hesitate to seek clarity on other diagnosis-related aspects. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to elaborate on alternative conditions or further evaluation steps.
It's advisable to bring along a supportive friend or family member to help ask questions and take notes during appointments, especially when managing complex health issues.
At every age, no one can remember everything from their medical appointments, Dr. Nosal concludes.
