How to get a successful doctor visit?

No matter the confidence and trust with your doctor, the moment you hop on to the examination bed, you'd hope the visit to be quick and easy to be done with.

Although physical exams may be unavoidable and beyond your control, waiting times can be reduced and there are few things you can do and prepare to help your time at the doctor's visit go smoothly. Here's how...

Know Your Goal!

Set yourself up for success early in the game: Be clear about why you are coming for the visit and what will happen at the visit. It starts when you call to make your appointment. You can even do so by engaging our friendly front liner's via phone call or if you are shy, whatsapp or web chat is available.

"In any doctor's mind, there's a very significant difference between a well visit, which is preventive or a problem visit. A problem visit typically takes up more time to diagnose your condition and involves running tests. While a well visit may be quick, doctor's may be interested to know how you are dealing with your condition and how it affects you emotionally. Both takes up different amount of your doctor's schedule.

When you call your scheduler, ask:

. How much time will the doctor have to see me?

. How's the doctor schedule?

. Should I not eat or drink before visiting?

. Am I due for lab work/ blood tests?

If you call and tell the receptionist you have a sore throat, usually you're going to be in a 10 - 15 minute time slot. But if you come in with 10 other complaints, you'll leave feeling like you didn't get everything out of your doctor that you came for, and you may leave frustrated.

Know Your Role

You’re the expert on you. But your doctor is also an expert -- one who trained for many years in medicine. Be an advocate for yourself, but also listen.

People sometimes want to give their diagnosis instead of their symptoms. It’s OK to clarify and raise concerns you have, but demanding certain tests or medicines may hold up treatments that could really help you.

It's give and take. Don't dominate your visits, and don't let your physician dominate your visits. If you don't feel like you are an active part of your visit, then that may be a sign that you may need another doctor. If your provider is just doing all the talking, and then prescribing medicine without taking time to listen to your complaints, then that's a red flag.

Don't be afraid to make change and see someone who's a better fit for you.

Get familiar with your family tree

Does diabetes run in your family? How about high blood pressure? Rheumatoid arthritis? Other chronic conditions? If you don’t know, it’s time to ask around. It’s most important to know the health histories of your direct family members, but grandparents and others may also come into play.

Why is this important? It'll help the doctor to recognize if there may be any underlying problem and what medicine can be avoided to prevent undesired medical effects. For example, many patients are allergic to penicillin.

Have meds on hand?

Your doctor needs to know which medications you’re taking, including any over-the-counter meds and supplements. It'll help uncover possible interactions or side effects, and a snapshot of the types of treatments you’ve already got going in your system. And your best guess won’t cut it. When in doubt bring your existing medicine with you. If it's too much hassle to bring with you, take a good quality picture of the medicine, be sure to include dosage and whether you are due for a refill.

Why is this important? Some treatment medicine's efficacy or effectiveness may be reduced when combine with other medicine/ supplements. This may not give you the desirous effect to treat your underlying condition and may result in prolonged treatment and money spent.

Let your guard down

Honesty is the best policy, and there’s nowhere that’s truer than with your doctor. When the consultation room closes, we want to know you of who you really are. You have to let go of any awkwardness you feel and tell your doctor your whole health story. Trust us! whatever you tell, we have heard worse, we are here to help.

Opening up about symptoms and conditions can be hard for some cultures or after certain experiences. But it’s an important -- sometimes life-saving -- barrier to push past. A good doctor will never think less of you because of the conditions you have. Being up front will help you get the care you need and deserve.

Your privacy and confidentiality is safe with us. We are here to help, don't be afraid to let us try.

In Summary!

1. Know your goal!

2. When you call your scheduler, ask:

• How much time will the doctor have to see me?

• How's the doctor schedule?

• Should I not eat or drink before visiting?

• Am I due for lab work/ blood tests?

3. Know your role

4. Get familiar with your family tree

5. Have meds on hand?

6. Let your guard down

We look forward to seeing you and working with you towards a healthy life.