Preparing for a New Health Care Provider Visit
If you want to get the most out of your health provider visits, you have to become a more informed health care consumer. Most visits to the doctor’s office are short and you probably spend more time in the waiting room than you do in the exam room. Once you finally make it to the exam room you may be only allotted a short amount of time, so it’s very important to be prepared. With a little groundwork you can get the most out of your doctor’s visit. You will feel the benefits of your time spent there and the benefits of being on top of your health. Most of it has to do with knowing the best questions to ask so because of that I’ve created this list to prepare for a new health care provider visit.
1. What is your general philosophy about health care?
2. What are your credentials or board certification?
3. How much time can I expect to have with you during each appointment?
4. How many questions or health concerns should I discuss with you in one appointment?
5. Knowing that you are extremely busy, what can I do to make sure we both make the most of our appointment time?
6. If I need to get a hold of you after hours or for an emergency what is the procedure?
7. From your perspective, what is the biggest health problem I’m at risk for today, and what are the most important things I can do to stay vital and healthy?
8. What are your thoughts about alternative therapies such as herbal supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc., as part of a treatment plan?
9. What is your policy for working out a payment plan if I fall on hard times and my insurance won’t pay for a particular service?
10. I’d like to work with you as a partner in my health care. Please feel free to give me “homework” assignments if you feel I need to do some research in order to make good decisions for myself.
11. Is there anything else I should know about your practice and your philosophy regarding health care? (Note: Always check to see if the provider accepts your insurance.)
Eileen Kollmeyer
My Wise Guides
Email: eileenk@mywiseguides.com
Phone: 206-369-5305
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