Getting The Most Out Of Your Co-Pay: Questions to Ask During a Visit to Your Doctor
Letitia Holloway-Owens, MPH, M.S., CHES

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Let's go over the basic principles of medical consumerism.

• Good medical care depends on you.
• Work in partnership with your doctor.
• Become skilled at buying medical care.
• Trust your common sense.

How many times have you left your doctor's office with a million and one questions? If you're like me, it happens more often than not. Below are some tips to help you make the most of your office visit. In the world of less service for more money, we have to get the most bang for our co-pay buck!!!

First, if you are having a problem that prompts you to visit your physician, write down answers to the following questions before the visit:

• When did the problem start?
• What do you think the problem is?
• What makes it better?
• What are the signs and symptoms?
• What daily habits are affected (eating, sleeping, concentrating, etc.)?
• Is the problem constant or does it only occur at certain times?

Also, before visiting the doctor, write down all medications that you are taking.

During the office visit make a note of the following:

• Your blood pressure and temperature
• The doctor's diagnosis
• Probable cause
• Recommendations

For medications, tests and treatments, ask:

• Ask for the name of the medication.
• Why is the medication needed?
• The cost of the medication.
• Side effects and other risks of taking the medication?
• Should it be taken with food?
• Should the medication be taken during a certain time?
• Effect of medication on other medications that you are currently taking.
• Is treatment or test necessary?
• Why is test and/or treatment needed?

After the visit, complete the following with your doctor:

• Is a follow-up visit needed? If so, when should it be scheduled?
• If medical tests are ordered, will results be called regardless if they are normal?
• What else should I be aware of?

If you remember to ask WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and HOW, you should be satisfied with your visit to the doctor. If not, it may be time to search for another doctor.

UNTIL NEXT TIME.........CONTROL YOUR PORTIONS.........LETITIA

Source: HealthyLife Self-Care Guide

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