What to Say at a Doctor Appointment

by | Mar 6, 2022 | Medical

Woman Speaking with Doctor

Going to the doctor can be intimidating.  It’s easy to let medical professionals create the momentum for your visit with you just along for the ride.

Knowing what to say at a doctor appointment can make the difference between mediocre healthcare and optimal healthcare.

In this article, we’ll show you why people don’t know what to say at doctor appointments, the consequences of not speaking up, and what to say to have the best appointment possible.

Why People Don’t Know What to Say at Doctor Appointments

Remember when you were a kid and you had to go to the doctor? 

Lots of times painful shots for vaccinations were involved.  Or maybe you had to get stitches after falling off your bicycle.  And sometimes you got sent home with nasty tasting medicine (‘grape flavor’? – not even close!).

Most of us have some not-so-great memories of doctor’s visits and that feeling can carry forward into later years.  This can cause people to put off going to the doctor to avoid a replay of past unpleasantness.

Doctor’s offices can be intimidating, especially when you don’t know anything about medicine.  You hope for a smooth experience making an appointment.  Then you have to actually check in and wait for the doctor.  There’s definitely something unsettling about sitting on an examination table naked underneath a ‘barely there’ hospital gown (does it tie in the front or the back?!). 

Even if you can get past your feelings and nakedness, as you sit on the examination table you hear strange machines beep and buzz.  Unfamiliar people take your weight, temperature, and blood pressure.  Suddenly, your fight or flight response is on high alert.

Consequences of Not Speaking Up at Doctor Appointments

When you are nervous or anxious, your brain uses its energy to find the exit door.  This makes it difficult to stay focused on the doctor’s visit.

Most doctor’s appointments only last 15-20 minutes.  Good communication is critical for a successful visit.

The following things can happen if you don’t communicate well with your doctor:

  • The doctor doesn’t get a complete picture of the health situation
  • Due to lack of response, the doctor assumes agreement with what was said in the appointment and that the patient will comply with the health plan provided
  • Bad drug interactions occur because the doctor didn’t get a complete list of the medications taken
  • The doctor is unaware of physical limitations
  • Misunderstandings happen because an interpreter was not requested when needed
  • Important points were not prioritized and, therefore, not discussed

What to Say at a Doctor Appointment

Make the most of the short time you have with the doctor.  If you have more than one symptom, make a list.  Start with the most important problem first and share the list with the doctor. 

My dermatologist has a sign in her office that tells patients they may only ask about 3 problem areas per visit.  If you have more than 3, you have to schedule a “whole body scan”.  Find out BEFORE the appointment if there are limits.

Ideally, you want to develop a long-term relationship with your doctor.  It’s hard to do that in the limited time of a single appointment, but be pleasant, straightforward, and try some humor to break the ice.

Remember, most appointments only last about 15 minutes.  Plan ahead to make the most of it. 

Doing the following things can make your doctor appointment a success:

  • Choose one clear objective for the visit (ex. “Why is my throat sore?” or “What is that thing growing on my foot?”)
  • Bring your medical history (if the doctor doesn’t already have it)
  • Include a complete list of medications you are currently taking (include over the counter medications as well as vitamins and other ‘natural’ remedies)
  • Bring a friend or family member to take notes or help keep the appointment on track with your objectives
  • ASK QUESTIONS:  This is YOUR appointment.  Before you leave, have all of your questions answered in words you understand.  Tell the doctor “What I hear you saying is …” to make sure you and the doctor understand each other about your health and the plan moving forward.

Next Steps

By the time the appointment is over, you should have an idea of what the doctor believes is the problem.  If not, ask the doctor for a differential diagnosis. A differential diagnosis is “used to help diagnose physical or mental health disorders that cause similar symptoms.”

A working differential diagnosis is a starting point for a final diagnosis and can guide a physician toward further testing that can identify or rule out conditions.

Make sure the doctor has written prescriptions (either electronically or on paper) before you leave the appointment.

If a follow up appointment is necessary, find out when that appointment should be and make the return appointment before you leave the office.

We often think of questions we should have asked later.  If you do, call the office and leave a message for the doctor or ask the question electronically through the office patient portal.

Always follow up as instructed. 

Conclusion

Now that you’ve visited the doctor, asked questions, and have a differential diagnosis, you can confidently move forward with your healthcare. 

Still unsure about what to say at a doctor appointment?  Get a FREE Healthcare Provider Visit Sheet to help you stay on track during any healthcare appointment.

Remember, you are in charge of your healthcare.  Take the initiative, ask questions, and follow up accordingly.  You are the expert on your body – don’t be afraid to get the healthcare you need and know what to say at a doctor appointment.

Get my FREE Healthcare Provider Visit Sheet!