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Feeling Fit: Getting the Most From Your Doctors’ Visits – A Survivor’s Guide
By William A. Levy, Esq.
As we assemble our team for the upcoming Relay for Life and Race for the Cure, I find myself thinking about the infinite number of individuals who have battled cancer, my own family among them. In November 2008, my wife Hali was diagnosed with breast cancer. After many visits to numerous doctors, a double mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction, six months of chemotherapy and a hysterectomy, Hali now counts herself as a survivor. Being prepared for every appointment and being actively involved in her medical care was a huge part of Hali’s success in beating cancer. Whether dealing with a major disease or just struggling with headaches, the following steps will help you be better prepared for medical appointments.
1. Investigate the doctor. Even before you make the appointment, visit websites such as www.vitals.com and www.healthgrades.com to learn the doctor’s credentials, educational background, areas of expertise, insurance accepted, malpractice and medical board complaint history. You can also get a look at patient reviews.
2. Schedule the office visit. Always take the first available appointment and ask to be wait-listed for any appointments that become available later. If the doctor’s office does not have a wait-list system, call daily to see if there are any cancellations. Also, if you are using insurance, make sure to verify that this doctor is a provider.
3. Obtain the new patient forms beforehand. Ask the office to send the forms required of new patients to you or download them from the doctor’s website. This way, you don’t have the pressure for immediate recall of information, and you can refer to your records if need be.
4. Prepare a health timeline. Writing down your symptoms will allow you to explain what has been occurring without having to recall dates and times. Other pertinent information to bring includes: remedies you have already tried to alleviate symptoms, a list of medications/dosages, dates of surgeries/medical procedures, and family history of major illnesses.
5. Prepare a comprehensive list of questions. Write down your questions as you think of them, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Before the appointment, be sure to review, organize, and rewrite your questions, leaving enough room to jot down answers during the appointment.
6. Gather relevant medical records. Be sure to collect all your medical records (such as blood test results, x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, mammograms, doctors’ notes, etc.) prior to your appointment. Do not depend on any provider to send them, and always keep a copy for yourself.
7. Bring someone with you to the appointment. A great deal of information is often communicated during a doctor’s visit. Bringing a family member or friend along can be emotionally supportive and provide another perspective when processing the information later and when comparing doctors if you are going to see more than one.
8. Audiotape the doctor’s appointment. Tape recording the visit allows you the opportunity to review the details at a later date rather than recall them from memory. Always ask for permission beforehand.
9. Trust your instincts. During your appointment, you will be assessing whether you want this doctor to handle your medical issue. Is (s)he patient, reassuring and a good communicator? Does (s)he make you feel comfortable and instill confidence? Does (s)he answer all your questions thoroughly and make an effort to explain things clearly? If the doctor is not meeting your needs, find another.
10. Get a second, third, or even fourth opinion. Many insurance companies pay for a second opinion, so make sure you get one. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may even consider getting a third or fourth opinion. Before Hali made her final choice, we actually “interviewed” five different breast surgeons! The best doctor and treatment option for one person may not be the best for another. You must decide if the doctor is a good match for you.
Gone are the days when you could (or should) leave your medical care in someone else’s hands. You must take control and be an active participant in attaining the best care for your needs by conducting lots of research and asking lots of questions. With all the current technology literally at your fingertips, there is no excuse for not being prepared when visiting your doctor. The combination of a highly qualified physician and your active involvement in your medical care may make the difference in whether or not you become a survivor.
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William A. Levy, Esq., William Levy, an attorney since 1985 and a partner with Prestige Law Group, has an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. For other informational articles, contact him at 702-451-9474 or Bill@PLGLV.com
