Providing everything from wellness exams to prescription refills, your medical provider is an invaluable resource in your everyday health. But, when you have questions or concerns about your body, navigating the conversations you have with your provider can be tough. To make sure all your appointments are productive and beneficial, here are a few tips to consider the next time you visit your physician.

What Patients Can Do to Get More Out of Doctor’s Visits

Prepare Ahead & Arrive Early

The more informed your provider is about your health, the more insight they can offer during the appointment. That’s why you should fill out any forms the clinic requires ahead of time.

By filling out family medical histories and medication lists ahead of time, you can make sure you’re providing the doctor with clear and accurate information that can better inform care decisions. If you’re a new patient, filling out insurance forms ahead of time can also help the office staff process you quickly once you arrive for the appointment.  

You should also plan on arriving at the clinic at least 15 minutes before your appointment time. Without this extra window of time, you may arrive late and have to forfeit a portion of your visit.

Identify Your Goals

When you make a doctor’s appointment, be clear about the exact reasons why you want to speak with a physician. Whatever the goals of your visit, it’s best to stay focused on one or two items.

Trying to address too many issues in one appointment may prevent the doctor from fully assessing your initial concerns. In some cases, extra needs may also result in additional labs or tests that you may not be prepared for.

If you end up having additional questions, ask your provider to schedule another visit where they can be addressed.

Be Honest

Although health care can be a very personal matter, it’s crucial to understand that your doctor is someone you can trust. By making an effort to be open and honest about your symptoms and overall health, your provider can make more accurate diagnoses and provide you with the most effective treatment. Providing false or incomplete information, on the other hand, can cause medical problems to become worse and require additional care.

When you’re searching for a trustworthy physician that can provide comprehensive health care services, turn to the providers at Hillside Family Medicine LLC & Occupational Medicine. Serving the Anchorage, AK, community for over two decades, this practice is recognized for providing compassionate, informative, and responsive care to patients of all ages and backgrounds. Visit this family medicine provider online to learn more about how they can boost and protect your wellness. To schedule a 30-minute appointment with a friendly doctor, call (907) 344-0200.