You get a gold star for adult-ing, my friends! Thank you for tuning in to “Cold and Alone, Wearing Paper: Make the Most of the Exam Room.” Check out the first, second, third, fourth and fifth parts of our series, “What’s Up, Doc?” to get caught up to speed!
OK, you’re finally in the exam room. While you’re shivering in the paper gown and bored of looking at Highlights Magazine, contemplate how you can get the most bang for your buck.
- Think of the most important thing you’re concerned about for THIS exam room visit. Start with this topic! Narrow down the focus so you can use the doctor’s time to your advantage.
- Studies show that a doctor stops actively listening after about 30 seconds before she starts taking notes or typing. I like to make sure the doctor is looking at me and having a dialogue before she starts charting her impressions!
- Remember that list of important questions you made before the exam room visit? Now’s the time to whip it out!
- Did your friend come with you? Remind them what you’d like to accomplish. And buy them a Starbucks when you leave. 🙂 Don’t have a BFF available to attend the visit? Use the voice memo app on your phone. Technology is great when we use it, am I right?
- Heads-up… before you leave ANY doctor’s exam room, ask for a copy of that day’s chart notes for your records! I’ve never had a doc refuse my request.
- Be absolutely sure that what the doc wrote in your chart is REALLY what you talked about and reflects the tests or treatments or medications to which you’ve explicitly
- Correct any mistakes in an email and fax to the doctor!
Learning lots? Now teach me what you know! I love hearing from my peeps.
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