With Women's Health Expert - Marjorie Runyon Jenkins, MD
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2. Consider taking a friend or relative with you. If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you. Do not rely on a child to translate. Check with the office to see if a translator is available. |
Marjorie Runyon-Jenkins, MD |
3. Dress appropriately. Wear loose, layered clothing that is easy to remove since offices are often cold.
4. Your medication history is important. Bring a list of the medications you are taking, including name(s), doses, how many times a day you take the medication(s) and reason(s) you are taking it/them.
5. Make sure that your doctor’s age matches yours. Long-term medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or cancer require lifelong care. Select a doctor who will be there for you over an extended period of time.
6. Always include any over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbal products that you may be taking.
7. Your medical and surgical history is also important. Have you had surgery in the past? If so what type and when? Your medical history includes information such as heart disease, diabetes, thyroid problems or cancer treatment.
8. Your doctor has an average of 15 minutes per patient visit.
9. Communication is the key. Be honest while talking to your doctor. Don’t hold back any information even if you might consider it embarrassing. The more information you share, the better your doctor will be able to figure out what’s wrong and how to treat you. Lack of communication is a primary reason for patient dissatisfaction
10. When you return home, review the materials you received from your doctor or nurse. If you don’t understand something when you get home, call the office and ask questions. Call the doctor’s office if you are not feeling better. Follow your doctor’s instructions:
- Take the full course of medication if prescribed
- Go for additional testing if ordered
- Keep your follow-up appointments
