Originally posted on https://www.erahealth.com.au/blog/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-a-medical-center-in-melbourne-cbd/

 

Ever arrived at the doctor’s office, waited patiently for your turn, only to leave frustrated because you didn’t get the most out of your appointment?

Unfortunately, this is all-too-common if you fail to prepare properly for your doctor’s visit. It may sound like overkill to ”prepare” for an appointment, but when your health is in question, no amount of preparation is too much.

Here’s how to ensure you walk away completely satisfied the next time you have a doctor’s appointment at a medical center in Melbourne.

Preparing For Your Visit to a Medical Center in Melbourne

Perhaps you feel a little sheepish bringing a notepad and a pen to a doctor’s appointment? But if it helps you to remember important questions you want to ask your doctor and their feedback, then why not?

This just goes to show that your health is a top priority and any medical professional should have great respect for that.

Each doctor’s appointment is important, most especially if you are living out your golden years. Whether it’s for a regular check-up, test results, or specialized treatment, there are ways in which you can prepare.

As you may have learned from previous doctor’s visits, time is of the essence. So here’s how to make the most out each appointment:

1. Write Out a List of Your Concerns

It’s quite simple – to ensure you don’t forget about any niggling concerns you have about your health, just write it all down.

Before your appointment, jot down a list of symptoms and questions you’d like to run past your doctor. If you have a few items you’d like to discuss, write them down in order of importance- with the most concerning ones first.

Remember that you shouldn’t put off health concerns just because you’re limited by time at a doctor’s appointment. Bring them up first and ask as many questions as you need to.

2. Take All Important Information With You

If you have a hard time remembering the prescription medication, vitamins or over-the-counter pills you take, write down a list of these. And don’t forget to include the dosage amounts, too.

You should also carry your medical insurance card, emergency contact details, and the names and numbers of any other doctors you see. This is especially relevant if you are visiting a new doctor for the first time.

3. Bring a Neutral Party With You

Generally, you are more than welcome to bring in another member into a doctor’s appointment with you, if you prefer. If you struggle to remember what you wanted to discuss, your friend or relative can bring this up on your behalf.

Likewise, if you are too embarrassed to bring up a certain medical concern, a neutral party can also discuss this for you. Finally, they can also help you by taking down important notes to help you remember all your doctor’s advice and feedback.

4. Don’t Be Shy in Sharing Your Medical History

Upon visiting a new doctor for the first time you will generally be asked to fill out a medical history form. If you struggle to remember it all or interpret the forms, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

And just because you wrote it all down, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t discuss your medical history with your doctor. If you feel there is something important you doctor should know in more detail, don’t shy away from sharing with them.

5. Ensure You Understand Your Doctor Properly

Some doctors have a habit of speaking very quickly and using a bunch of industry jargon that may make little to no sense to you. This can often leave you feeling confused and unsure of the next step in your healthcare journey.

If you don’t understand what your doctor has said, or cannot hear them properly, don’t be afraid to ask them to stop and re-phrase. If you struggle from a hearing impairment, let the doctor’s office know beforehand.

6. Keep Your Doctor Up-to-Speed

This only applies after one or two visits to a new doctor. But each time you head in for an appointment, make sure you update your doctor on your health status.

Let them know if you have recently been treated for something, seen a specialist or visited the emergency room. Don’t forget to mention changes in your sleep pattern, appetite, weight or energy levels, if any.

7. Always Honest About Your Health

It’s important to be as open and honest with your doctor at all times regarding your health and your lifestyle. Because ultimately, this can have a great effect on the treatment you receive and how you respond to it.

Be honest with your doctor about habits that could affect your health. This includes things like dieting, failing to exercise, drinking an excessive amount of alcohol, smoking, etc. This also relates to using illegal drugs, promiscuity, stress levels, and any other unhealthy habits.

8. Remember to Keep an Open Mind

Some of the most troubling patients for doctors to treat are those with a fixed, preconceived idea about the type of treatment they should receive.

Always keep an open mind when it comes to your health and the advice of a qualified and experienced professional.

At the end of the day, a doctor will do their best to hear you out and educate you as much as they can. But if you are not willing to hear or receive their advice this could be detrimental to your health.

Looking For a Private Medical Center in Melbourne?

Here at Era Health in the heart of Melbourne CBD, we offer specialized, private treatment for a plethora of ailments. Whether you’re looking for a doctor, dentist, physiotherapist, podiatrist or more, you’ll find it with us.

Visit our medical center in Melbourne by booking an appointment today and keeping your health in top-notch condition!