Doctors Office Etiquette

DOCTOR'S VISIT 7 Ways You Mess Up Your Checkup Your cell phone is fused to your hand. Don't answer that call, text or email. Your health is more important than making plans with friends or answering work emails. You've Googled it. Several times. 2 Doing research is helpful, but don't go overboard. Bring a list of things you found during your research... and stick to the facts. Silence & stash it until you're done with your visit. You have your doctor confused with a mind 3 reader. The doctor needs to know why you're there, along with your expectations of the visit. If you need a refill or you think you'd like to be tested for something, say so. !!! Speak up! Don't be afraid to tell Your pants are on fire. the doctor exactly what's wrong. 4. Your doctor needs to know the best way to treat you, so be honest. Don't lie about your drinking habits, sexual activity or drug use (including prescriptions). Family history is important as well for determining if certain procedures are needed. You feel funny disagreeing with your doctor. 5 If you don't like the treatment your doctor is suggesting, let him know so he can discuss other options. Trust your Can't do it alone? Give a good friend or family member a list of the questions you have and bring them along. intuition. If you don't think a diagnosis is correct, ask about getting a second opinion. You teli your doctor what you think she 6. wants to hear. If you don't take vitamins every day, don't say you do. If you miss doses of your prescription, admit it. And if you're not actually putting in 30 minutes of exercise 3 days a week, don't claim you are. You don't listen. O Follow through with doctors' orders if you agreed to them. Listen to and follow through with, your doctor's diagnosis And if you don't follow through, tell them, so they don't think the treatment failed. and directions. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU GET A PHYSICAL? CO * Patients on medication CO should be seen twice a year Under 40: Every 3 years Ages 40-50: Every 2 years Ages 50+: Annually http://articles.com.com/2008-05-14/health/sp.Women.mistakes new-doctor-northrup-female-patients/2?_s-PM HEALTH http://www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/05/26/dumh.doctors.office.ap/index.html http://magazine.angieslist.com/doctors/articles/how-often-should-you-get-a-physical-aspx 2011