Maximizing Care in Medical Appointments: Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
Eight actions to avoid when consulting a doctor, as advised by healthcare professionals:
Effective utilization of time and preparation are crucial in ensuring a smooth diagnostic and treatment process, especially considering the limited time clinicians have to address multiple concerns within each appointment. Here's what to avoid:
Self-Diagnosis
Though well-intentioned, self-diagnoses can lead clinicians on a likely incorrect path, potentially disregarding the root cause of the healthcare issue. Instead, focus on describing symptoms without assuming a diagnosis.
Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, founder of The Pivot Nurse, Inc. cautions that patients presenting a diagnosis might narrow the diagnostic focus, potentially overlooking the actual issue. This could result in delayed diagnosis, cognitive bias, unnecessary testing, or treatments.
Take the time to describe your symptoms accurately, including onset, changes, and any patterns you've noticed, to give your provider the best chance at revealing the true problem.
Arriving Unprepared
For new patients, having a list of medications, allergies, medical diagnoses, past procedures, and surgeries readily available is essential. Terry Bartmus, DNP, a nurse practitioner and assistant professor, notes that this information is vital for clinicians to determine appropriate tests and treatments. A well-organized, accessible document (printed or digital) can help save time and enable the development of an appropriate treatment plan.
Downplaying Symptoms
Minimizing symptoms can make healthcare providers underestimate their severity, leading to missed tests, delayed treatment, or missed early signs of conditions such as heart problems, infections, or neurological issues. Dr. Miller highlights that downplayed symptoms frequently surface later through lab results, imaging, or deeper questioning, necessitating a reevaluation of the situation.
Waiting Until the End to Bring Up Concerns
Known as the doorknob phenomenon, discussing one's top concern at the end of the appointment makes it challenging for providers to conduct a comprehensive evaluation, potentially delaying care and resulting in adverse healthcare outcomes. Aim to discuss your main concern within the first few minutes of the appointment.
Patients should have a list of symptoms or concerns prepared before the visit, be open and honest, and trust their instincts.
Being Rudé to Staff
Although medical visits can be stressful, venting frustration at staff can disrupt communication, cause delays, and affect the quality of care. Staff are more likely to go the extra mile when treated with kindness and respect.
Letting Someone Else Speak for You
While bringing a family member can be helpful, particularly for those navigating language barriers or cognitive challenges, speaking for yourself whenever possible ensures accurate communication and prevents vital details from getting lost. Family members can still aid in note-taking, recall, or follow-up questions.
Discussing Concerns With Healthcare Pros Other Than Your Provider
Not specifying the intended recipient of concerns can mean important details might never reach the right healthcare professional. If unsure who to address, patients should insist on speaking to the appropriate person.
Leaving the Appointment Without Understanding Next Steps
Incomplete understanding of the treatment plan can disrupt care. Clarify questions, and, if necessary, request written instructions.
Avoiding these common mistakes can help ensure a more effective healthcare experience.
- To maximize health and wellness, it's important to avoid self-diagnosis, especially during medical appointments, as it can potentially disregard the root cause of health issues.
- Being well-organized and prepared is essential in medical appointments. This includes having a list of medications, allergies, medical diagnoses, past procedures, surgeries, and symptoms readily available.
- Downplaying symptoms can lead to missed tests, delayed treatment, or missed early signs of conditions such as heart problems, infections, or neurological issues. It's crucial to be open and honest about symptoms during medical appointments.
- Discussing one's top concern within the first few minutes of the appointment can help providers conduct a comprehensive evaluation, ensuring timely and effective care.
- Treating medical staff with kindness and respect can encourage them to go the extra mile in providing care. Speaking for oneself during appointments also ensures accurate communication and prevents vital details from getting lost.
