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Making the Most of your Visit with a Health Care Provider

For many people, visits with health care professionals often feel rushed and disorganized. By the time a person returns home, it is often difficult to recall exactly what happened at the visit, or what was said. While this is common for everyone, it is especially a problem for people with MS who may be dealing with cognitive problems.

It doesn’t need to be this way. There are tools you can use to ensure that your time in the exam room is productive for both you and your medical professional. The clearer you are in expressing what your problems or concerns are, the easier it is for the health care provider to use the time with you more effectively.

The Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society has the following suggestions on how to get the most of your visit with your health care professional.

Making your Appointment:

1. If you have accessibility needs, such as an adjustable exam table, make that request at the time you make your appointment. Click here for a check list of accommodations you may want to ask about.

2. If possible, schedule your appointment at a time of day when you are typically less fatigued.

3. Think about taking someone with you to take notes and remind you of things you might forget. It is known that up to 90% of the information you hear at a health care appointment is forgotten after you leave the clinic.

Before the Visit:

1. Keep a diary between visits.
Include changes in your symptoms, changes in activity level, medication changes or missed doses, changes in appetite, diet and sleep, and changes in mood. Review your diary before your appointment, looking for any patterns that might shed light on your health status.
2. Write a list of problems or concerns you wish to discuss at the visit. Pick out the 2 most important issues and plan to discuss those first. Click here for a template. Many people pick the top 2 items on their list as the most important. But consider looking at the bottom of your list. Sometimes these are the more embarrassing or difficult topics to discuss. Do not put off talking about them, they may be the most important.

3. Take a list of all current medications, including doses.
Write down all vitamins, herbs, over-the-counter medications, and other prescription medications you are currently taking. Also write down whether you receive care from other health care professionals, such as a naturopath, acupuncturist, physical therapist, etc.

During the Visit:

1. Be honest and direct during the visit.
If you aren’t taking your medications as directed, or have missed a number of doses, inform your provider. Explain why you aren’t taking the medications, for example, if it is because of side effects or due to financial reasons.

2. Take notes during the visit.
If you go alone, take the time to write down instructions or information. You might ask your provider to review your notes to see if you wrote information down correctly. You should also repeat back what you think the physician said to make certain you understand. If you have difficulty writing, consider taking a tape recorder. But be sure to let your health care provider know and explain that it is to help you remember what was said.

3. Ask questions until you understand the answer.
Repeat questions until you receive an answer that you can understand. And, if you feel that your provider is not listening to you, or is “rushing” you to some degree, politely let them know. Or ask if the doctor’s assistant or nurse can spend more time with you after the appointment answering your questions.

4. If given a new medication, make sure the doctor explains:

Leaving the Office:

1. Schedule your next visit.
If there are multiple items that were not addressed at this visit, request another visit within a month. And, if your routine visits feel rushed, ask for an extended visit when you schedule. It is more expensive, yet may be well worth it.

2. Find out what happens next.
If a referral to another health care professional, such as a physical or occupational therapist, etc, is recommended, ask what the next step will be, who will call you with the appointment instructions, and when you can expect that to happen. Also inquire about insurance coverage, making certain that any referral is made to a provider who is on your insurance plan.

After the Visit:

1. Evaluate the experience.
Ask yourself if you felt listened to and respected, and if you left knowing the plan of action. If not, evaluate your participation in the visit, and if there is anything you can do further to improve communication. You may want to consider changing to another provider.

2. If you have further questions.
 Many healthcare providers have email. Take advantage of it. If you have non- urgent questions or concerns email your doctor. You should get an answer much sooner than if you called.

Patient Bill of Rights (From Inside MS: 1999)
To be treated with respect.
To have and to express my feelings and opinions.
To be listened to and to be taken seriously.
To set my own priorities.
To say no without feeling guilty.
To ask for what I want.
To get what I pay for.
To ask for information.
To make mistakes.
To choose not to assert myself.
To change my mind.

Patient Bill of Responsibilities
To keep scheduled appointments.
To be honest with my health care providers.
To give information about my experience and condition as clearly and briefly as possible.
To respect my health care providers.
To understand that no one has all the answers to MS.
To follow the treatment plan agreed upon.