Get the Most from Checkups

Know What to Ask and Expect from Doctors

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

Q: Dear April Masini,

I am a 54-year-old woman who you'd think would be used to checkups by now. Still, every time I go to the doctor's office, I become flustered and just want to get out as quickly as possible. It was probably fine in my younger years, but as I get older I'm thinking that I need to be more patient, ask more questions and get more out of my appointment.

How can I calm down and make sure that my checkups are complete and thorough?

Sincerely,

Impatient Patient 

A:

Dear Impatient Patient,

When dealing with medical professionals, as the patient, there is a good chance you don’t have the same perspective you would if you were advocating for someone. You’re vulnerable, you’re stressed, and maybe you’re scared. You’re not calm, cool and collected. So here’s how to get the best from your medical professional:

1. Give as much information as you have about your condition to your provider. He or she is not a psychic. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know.

2. Listen to them. Don’t interrupt.

3. Ask questions. Listen to the answers. Ask follow up questions. Listen to the answers.

4. Follow your doctor’s regime.

5. If you are not comfortable with your doctor, switch to a doctor with whom you are comfortable. Don’t stay with a doctor you don’t trust. If you do, you’ll probably wind up with an adversarial relationship.

6. Don’t bad mouth prior doctors to your present doctor or his/her staff. It’s rude.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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