Look at you, friend of The Insurance Mom! You’ve learned so much from our first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth parts of our series, “What’s Up, Doc?” Don’t you feel well-informed and powerful!?
Here’s the next revelation, “The Doctor is In! Now What?”
- Remind Doc Hollywood of any important medical history. Do NOT assume they remember everything about you. If you’re seeing this doctor for the first time give a brief summary of important medical history.
- As I mentioned in the second part of our series, always have a current copy of your medical records. Before seeing a new doc for the first time, email a copy of your chart FIRST. Hopefully, this will get your new doc up to speed before you get there.
- If you’re there for a physical (aka check-up, aka preventive care), remind the doctor that’s the ONLY purpose for your visit. I want YOU to give explicit permission to the doc if she’s going to do additional tests or treatments that are NOT included in your free physical. The Insurance Mom also recommends referencing this website which lists all of the stuff that has to be covered by your insurance (it’s part of the Affordable Care Act!)… so you know your rights!
- Ask LOTS of FAQs. There is always another question to ask! So ASK! Ask for clarification if you need it. Ask the doctor WHY she is recommending this particular course of treatment or prescription. Ask about side-effects. Ask about likely outcomes. Ask what alternative options may be available. Just because a doctor makes a suggestion, doesn’t mean it’s a recommendation… or the best recommendation.
Thanks for following along to our virtual tour of the doctor’s office! Now, talk to me. Share your funny / interesting / antidotes about your experiences. What is the best advice you’ve gotten from the doctor?
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