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| What You Should Do To Prepare For Visits To Your Doctor |
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The American Medical Association has some good advice as you plan your doctor's visit. Before you set foot in your doctor's office, take some time to prepare for the visit. This increases your chances of leaving the appointment well informed and satisfied with the care you received. Think about what you want to discuss with your doctor during the visit. Write down any questions that you have and either ask them during the visit or present the list to your doctor. If you think that all of your issues cannot be discussed during the length of a regular visit, make this clear when you schedule the appointment. Generally speaking, most physicians will handle the top three concerns at any regular office visit.
Some other pointers include:
- Jot down any symptoms/skin care concerns that you have. The more specific you can be, the more you will help your doctor to make an accurate diagnosis.
- Be prepared to tell your doctor all the medications that you take, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, supplements, and birth control pills. Write down all the relative information or take our medications in their original containers with you.
- Be honest with your doctor about your lifestyle, including your diet, alcohol intake, smoking history, supplements you take, and other care you receive. These factors are important to your overall health and your doctor needs the big picture.
- Pay attention to what your doctor tells you and follow his/her directions exactly. You cannot expect your doctor's treatment to be successful if you do not take the prescribed medications and follow your doctor's advice.
- If you are a new patient, be sure to come to your appointment approximately 10 minutes early so you can fill out the appropriate paperwork and forms. This will make things run smoothly and efficiently at your visit.
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