Last week we looked at five key questions to ask your doctor at your next visit, and this week we’re going to look at another five. 

Remember, going to the doctor regularly is a very important ingredient of staying healthy. If it’s at all possible, we recommend you schedule a visit with a doctor who knows your medical history and can monitor and tailor your health needs. Over time, the doctor will know more and more about you and your lifestyle, and your regular visits won’t feel as overwhelming. 

All that being said, here are five more great questions to make sure you ask your doctor at your next visit:

1. When will I have my test results, and where will I find them? Waiting on test results can be stressful enough, but not knowing if you should be waiting for a phone call and wondering when it will arrive makes the process even worse. While you are at the doctor’s office, ask your doctor or the staff when you should expect your results and how they plan to notify you. Will they call you? Make sure they have the best phone number for you. Will you need to come in for a follow-up to review the results? If so, make the appointment before you leave the office. 
2. “What does that mean?” Perhaps the most important question of them all is, “What does that mean?” If you’ve asked a question but the answer doesn’t fully clarify it for you, ask specifically what they mean. For example: What is arrhythmia? What does LDL in cholesterol levels mean? Some instructions can be easy to understand but hard to follow properly–does “take meditation with food” mean before, during, or after a meal? Now — when you’re with your doctor is the best time to ask! 
3. When do I need to see you again? Before leaving, ask if you need to see the doctor for a follow-up, and when that follow-up should be. Make sure you schedule the visit before you leave the office so you have less to worry about and you can focus on your doctor’s instructions. Even if you are feeling better, do not skip your follow-up visit. Your doctor may be tracking your health status in ways you may not notice daily.
4. What’s next? Before your doctor leaves the room, discuss the next steps. If necessary, write them down in detail and have your doctor review it. Not all visits are to treat a temporary illness, if you are managing high cholesterol or diabetes, you need to understand your doctor’s expectations so you can steadily improve. 
5. How can I learn more about my health? Ultimately, you want to be an expert in your own health. But be sure of your sources, and be wary of what you read on the internet; it is full of unverified sources that can be confusing and misleading. If you are confused about something you read on the internet, discuss the issue and where you found the information with your doctor. They can clear it up but also recommend reputable resources for you to learn about your health. 

As we discussed last week, you need to do more than simply have “an apple a day to keep the doctor away.” In fact, we don’t want you to stay away from your doctor – we recommend you visit them regularly. 

Your health is in your control, if you choose to accept it. The first part of this is to have an open, honest conversion with your doctor by asking these questions. Your doctor is there to help you, and they will answer all of your questions and be reassured that you take your health as seriously as they do. 

For more information on in-home care for you or a loved one in Austin, call Assisting Hands at (512) 999-7379 today.