Taking Charge of Your Health Care Appointments
Published December 2024 in the
International Iridology Practitioners Association Newsletter
Jane’s Annual Check-up
I'd like to share a story about my friend Jane's experience when she saw her primary care physician (PCP), which illustrates how a little preparation can transform anxiety into control. Jane hadn’t seen her PCP for some time until she got a call that she was due for her annual physical. As she took the call, she quickly scribbled down the appointment date and time, then logged it in her calendar. As the date of her appointment drew near, Jane became increasingly more anxious. Just the idea that they’d find something unexpectedly wrong with her filled her with dread. She thought of the bright white walls of the reception room, the uncomfortable waiting room seating, and all the sick people she might have to be around. By the day of the appointment, Jane was a nervous wreck.
After waiting in a stuffy reception room for what felt like an eternity, Jane shifted uncomfortably in her plastic chair. Her anxiety grew with each passing minute. Finally, a technician called her name and led her into a clinically cold intake room. The technician went through the routine of taking vital signs without so much as a friendly word. Jane's heart sank further when she heard the tech mutter 'Wow' while noting her blood pressure, igniting a surge of fear within her. The tech, offering no reassurance, simply informed Jane that the doctor would be in shortly and left her alone. Jane glanced nervously at the bare walls, feeling a rising urge to escape.
After what seemed a lengthy and painful delay, she heard the doctor do a courtesy knock and enter the room. With his eyes on her chart, he said, “Hi, how are you doing?” Jane replied that she was “fine,” as she moved back a few inches on the patient's bed. He zipped through her chart and said she was due for a blood test and that she needed a referral to an endocrinologist. Jane managed to squeak out a choked “okay” and then allowed the doctor to listen to her heart and lungs and look in her mouth and ears. He then mentioned she might have high blood pressure, and she nodded to acknowledge him, yet said nothing, paralyzed by fear.
The doctor asked if she had any questions and if she was feeling alright, as he swiveled in his chair from the computer to the countertop, and back again. Jane replied with a soft “no” and said that everything was fine. He gave her a lab request and a referral for an endocrinologist. He said she would be billed for her share, then swiveled back to the computer and typed silently for several minutes. Before she knew it, the appointment was over and the doctor left the room. She felt as if she were out of her body and confused as she got out of bed. She changed clothes and walked down the long hallway to the lobby, then finally out the automatic sliding doors. She was happy to leave that experience behind.
Unfortunately, this experience is not uncommon for individuals who go to see their primary care physician. The robotic technician, the doctor following a strict timeline, and the feeling of leaving those sliding double doors, upset and confused. In fact, studies show that 54% of adults leave primary care visits with unanswered questions, underscoring the widespread issue of patient dissatisfaction.
What Went Wrong for Jane?
Jane didn’t know she was due for an appointment and was caught off guard. She might have been better off calling them back to reschedule.
Jane didn’t know what to expect at her annual appointment.
Jane was unfamiliar with the facility and found it very intimidating.
When the tech didn’t introduce herself, Jane didn’t make the introductions.
The tech should not have made the comment about Jane’s blood pressure, and Jane had every right to say, “I don’t appreciate that; your comment makes me feel nervous and frightened.”
Jane needed moral support that day, but didn’t realize it until after.
Jane was frightened and uncomfortable and felt she couldn’t leave.
She was afraid to ask the doctor why he wanted a blood test, why she needed a referral. And what is an endocrinologist anyway? Jane was in “fight or flight” mode.
Jane didn’t ask questions and didn’t know why the doctor thought she might have high blood pressure. She was too afraid to ask.
Jane had thought the appointment was covered by insurance and was stressed when the doctor told her she would be “billed for her share.”
Jane didn’t stop at the receptionist’s desk to ask the questions she was too scared to ask her doctor, because she was so flustered and wanted to get out of there.
Planning Your Health Care Appointments
To get the best possible outcome for your upcoming health care appointment, I’d recommend following these three steps: booking, completing, and reflecting on your upcoming health visit. These three steps are: Preparing for Success, Being Present, and Following Up. Let’s walk through them together.
Preparing for Success
To ensure success, we want to prepare ourselves when we book the appointment and in the days leading up to it, making sure we’re in a positive mental state and maintaining control of the situation. To do this, I recommend you follow the checklist below when preparing for your appointment.
Make your own appointments. You are in charge.
Understand what will transpire during the appointment. Call ahead and ask if you need to.
Contact your insurance ahead of time and ask about your coverage.
Visit the facility in advance and ask for a tour if that will help settle your nerves.
Ask a friend to accompany you to your appointment for support.
Have a list of questions prepared for the doctor in advance.
Know your rights and responsibilities.
If you don’t want a vaccination that is typically recommended during an appointment, be prepared to say no. You do not need to provide an explanation for your refusal.
Being Present
Speak up, ask questions during your appointment, and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t understand; can you explain that?” Remember, this is your time with your doctor.
If you are nervous, ask your friend to advocate for you and ask questions on your behalf.
Take notes.
Provide the doctor with a Health Summary at intake. (See below)
Get copies of everything you sign and keep any information they provide.
Schedule the next visit in advance if you are ready.
Be prepared to ask for referrals that you want and need. This is your appointment.
Share your concerns and ask more questions!
Follow-Up
Make sure to use your patient portal for all communication and test results, and feel free to call the office if needed.
Call or message the doctor if you have any questions or if you stop taking the prescribed medicine, and tell them why.
If you’ve had a good experience, send the doctor a thank-you note.
When you get test results and have questions, request a call or a Zoom with the doctor or their PA. You have a right to know what your results mean.
A Health Summary
Here’s an example of a Health Summary to have ready when the doctor sits down with you during intake. Providing this summary not only gives the doctor a fundamental understanding of your lifestyle and health needs but also saves valuable time by reducing the need for repetitive questions, which can save up to 2-3+ minutes per visit. This makes it a time-saving win-win for both you and your health care provider. Add what is relevant to you and what will be helpful for your health care provider to know.
Jane Smith, 7/27/24
Water: 60 oz./day
Sodas: 2/day
Stress level: High
Sedentary: Sits at work
Diet: Fast food, cooks twice/week
Sleep: 6 hrs. /night
Children: 3
Vitamins: None
Prescriptions: Thyroid, heart
Self-care: Massages bi-weekly
Exercise: Walks once/week
Social: Many friends