How to Get More Out of Doctor Visits

Davis Liu, MD

Do you ever leave the doctor's office feeling unsure about what you're supposed to do next - and filled with questions that you forgot to ask? A study at the Mayo Clinic found that patients remember less than half of what physicians tell them during office visits.

Before you leave your next doctor's appointment, remembering the acronym D.A.T.E. will help you know what you need to do to get better, or to find out what's wrong.

D Did you understand the diagnosis? If not, ask the doctor to write it down. Get the actual medical terminology rather than the layperson's wording. Bring your own paper and pen if you have to, particularly if this is not a typical visit for something relatively benign, like a cold. The diagnosis is critical.

A Does your doctor require or recommend any additional testing, x-rays or procedures? Is additional input from other doctors, usually specialists, important? Do you need a referral? Does the doctor need your medical record from other doctors' offices or hospitals? If additional testing is needed, remember to always make sure your doctor has seen the results. If a doctor tells you, "We'll only contact you if the results are bad," insist on a letter, postcard or phone call from the office staff even if the results are good. If you don't hear from your doctor in a reasonable amount of time, call to double check that the results are coming.

T Is it clear to you what the treatment plan is? Are you starting medications or changing dosages? Do you need to see a physical therapist to treat your pain? Do you need to attend any preventive health classes? Do you need to exercise more? What are the treatment goals and plans?

E Finally, when should you return for further examinations or evaluations? Do you return in a few days, weeks, months or a year for a follow-up visit? Who makes the appointment? What signs or symptoms should you look out for that would indicate you need to be seen sooner?

Remember, the D.A.T.E. you had with your doctor and the hard work you put into achieving a high-quality visit will pay off.

Dr. Liu is a board-certified family physician with the Permanente Medical Group in Northern California. He is the author of Stay Healthy, Live Longer, Spend Wisely: Making Intelligent Choices in America's Healthcare System. Visit www.davisliumd.blogspot.com.