fundamentals
Making the Most of a Health Care Visit
First visit
The first time people visit their primary care doctor, they should ask any of the questions that are relevant to choosing a doctor and that they have not asked (see). The following questions may be especially helpful: How are sudden urgent health problems that occur at night or during weekends handled? How are test results obtained? (For example, where to call or e-mail if the person is responsible for asking for these results.) Why should I have an Health Care Power of Attorney (such as a living will or a durable power of attorney agreement)? How do I go about preparing one? If people already have an advance directive, they should bring a copy or the original to be copied for the doctor’s records. They should also collect all medications and supplements they are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications, medicinal herbs, and vitamins, and bring them to the doctor’s office. At the first visit, the doctor asks about topics such as past and present health, the health of close relatives (family health history), treatments, tests, and lifestyle. Even if the doctor does not ask, people should make sure the doctor has certain information about them such as Information about past hospitalizations, use of home health services, or care received from any specialists or other health care practitioners (including alternative medicine practitioners), with the names, addresses, and phone numbers of these sources of health care Information about any diagnostic tests and treatments already planned Exercise habits, sleep habits and quality of sleep, diet (including consumption ofcaffeine), sexual practices, and use of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and medications and supplements not prescribed by a health care practitioner (including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and medicinal herbs) Previous documented or suspected medication allergies or intolerances Any personal, spiritual, or cultural considerations that might affect health care decisions The pharmacy they use (so prescriptions may be called in or sent electronically) Providing this information helps improve the quality of care and ensure that any change in practitioners is smooth. For example, people should give their primary care doctor contact information for other health care practitioners and facilities they have visited and provide written consent for release of information. Then, the involved practitioners can communicate with each other more easily. Contact information also helps the primary care doctor obtain copies of pertinent information for the medical record. 