Making the most of your healthcare visit

Do you know how to get the most of your doctor visit? FILE – DAILY RECORD/SUNDAY NEWS

By Amanda Nossel, Family Nurse Practitioner

For many of us, it can be overwhelming to go to a healthcare appointment – information can be complicated and tests can seem scary.  Fortunately, there are things you can do to prepare for your visit that can make you feel more in control, comfortable, and help you get the most out of it. Here are some tips that I share with my patients, and that I hope you’ll find useful as well.

1. Amanda Nossel, Family Nurse Practitioner

   If this is your first visit to a new healthcare provider, arrive early to complete paperwork, and bring your insurance card.

2. Bring a list of things you’d like to discuss, and take notes during the visit.
3. Bring a friend or family member with you if you have a hard time asking questions or remembering what the provider says, or just need some support. This person can also take notes about information shared during the visit.
4. Know your family health history, and bring that information in with you. For example, did your father have heart disease, or your grandmother have breast cancer? This is something your healthcare provider should know.
5. Make a list of the medications you take, and share that with your healthcare provider. If you can’t make a list, bring your medication bottles to your healthcare visit.
6. If you are a diabetic, bring your blood sugar log. This will help the healthcare provider know how to adjust your insulin or pills.
7. Ask for the results of your blood pressure reading. Ask the provider to explain what the numbers mean.
8. If you smoke, and are ready to consider quitting, ask for help to quit or to cut down, and be honest with the provider about how much you are smoking.
9. Ask for a phone number to call if you have questions.
10. When you leave the office, you should be able to answer the following questions:

• What is my most important health issue?
• What do I need to do?
• Why do I need to do this?

Here at East Side Health Center, we are ready to see you for your primary care needs and hope that this list of tips will make you feel more prepared for your visit with us. Learn more at www.fpcn.com.