If you are taking other medications, make sure your doctor knows what they are, so he or she can prevent harmful drug interactions. Check with your doctor's office before taking any over-the-counter medications. Let the doctor know if your medicine doesn't seem to be working or if it is causing problems.
Full Answer
Which doctor should I See for a checkup before surgery?
This may be your surgeon or primary care doctor: This checkup usually needs to be done within the month before surgery. This gives your doctors time to treat any medical problems you may have before your surgery.
What questions to ask your doctor before a medical test?
Questions to ask your doctor before a medical test 1 Why is the test being done? 2 What steps does the test involve? How should I get ready? 3 Are there any dangers or side effects? 4 How will I find out the results? How long will it take to get the results? 5 What will we know after the test? More ...
What happens when you go to the doctor for checkup?
When you visit your doctor for a routine checkup, the nurse will take you to the exam room and will typically: When the nurse leaves, you’ll undress, slip on a gown, and sit on the exam table. There may be a sheet on the table so you can cover your lower body if you want to.
How do I research a doctor before an examination?
You may not have the time to do research on that doctor before you are examined but you can do so as soon as possible afterward. If you find you don't like that doctors' background, you can try to change doctors later. To research a doctor, you'll need to start with his or her name and location.
How do I verify a doctor?
Go to the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) website to check the basics with their DocInfo.org search function. You will find the doctor's board certifications, education, states with active licenses, and any actions against the physician.
What should a doctor consider before deciding on a treatment option?
When making any treatment decision, you should consider the risks, benefits, and supporting evidence for the treatment. In addition, you should consider if the treatment is compatible with your personal values and preferences and if it is accessible at a reasonable cost.
What should I ask my doctor to check?
Questions to ask your doctor about your diagnosisWhat may have caused this condition? Will it be permanent?How is this condition treated or managed? What will be the long-term effects on my life?How can I learn more about my condition?
What is the best site for doctor reviews?
Top Physician Review Sites to WatchYelp.Vitals.Google My Business.Healthgrades.ZocDoc.RateMDs.Doctor.com.Wellness.com.More items...•
How do doctors decide on treatments?
Physicians would choose to treat when the probability of disease is above the threshold probability and would choose to withhold treatment otherwise[1, 2]. The threshold model stipulates that as the therapeutic benefit/harms ratio increases, the threshold probability at which treatment is justified is lowered.
What should you not tell your doctor?
The 10 Worst Things Patients Can Say to PhysiciansAnything that is not 100 percent truthful. ... Anything condescending, loud, hostile, or sarcastic. ... Anything related to your health care when we are off the clock. ... Complaining about other doctors. ... Anything that is a huge overreaction.More items...•
What are 10 questions doctors ask to patients?
Terms in this set (12)What brings you in today? Why are you here?What hurts? The part of your body.What are your symptoms? Describe the problem.How long has this been going on? ... Has the pain been getting better or worse? ... Do you smoke? ... Do you have a family history of this? ... Do you take any medicines or supplements?More items...
How do you inquire about your health?
Asking about health/life (Elementary)How are you?How are things?How's things?How's it going?How are you getting on?How have you been?What have you been (getting) up to?I hope everything's okay?More items...
How do I impress a doctor?
In Depth: Eight Ways To Make Your Doctor Like YouManage Your Expectations. ... Be Assertive, Not Pushy. ... Follow Common- Sense Advice. ... Ask to Read Guidelines and Research. ... Be Honest. ... Respect Time Constraints. ... Respect His or Her Expertise. ... Remember, Your Doctor Wants to Help You.
Can You Trust Online doctor reviews?
Of those who do use these websites, only 6-8% say they have posted a review of their experience with a doctor. The vast majority of people do not rate or review their physicians on the Internet, so if you rely on these ratings you will have no information on the quality of care received by over 90% of patients.
What is the best medical advice website?
Top 10 Online Medical Resources For The Patients Of The FutureMedscape.Smart Patients.Medline Plus.Drugs.com.Mayo Clinic.Orphanet.Medgadget.WebMD.More items...•
How would you describe a good doctor?
“Physicians should be personable, great listeners, and empathetic to the concerns of their patients,” he elaborates. “They should not be condescending or arrogant. They should treat others as they want to be treated.” “Physicians should be personable, great listeners, and empathetic to the concerns of their patients.”
What to ask before a medical test?
Before having a medical test, ask your doctor to explain why it is important, what it will show, and what it will cost. Ask what kind of things you need to do to prepare for the test. For example, you may need to have an empty stomach, or you may have to provide a urine sample. Ask how you will be notified of the test results ...
What to do if you don't ask a doctor?
Asking questions is key to good communication with your doctor. If you don't ask questions, he or she may assume you already know the answer or that you don't want more information. Don't wait for the doctor to raise a specific question or subject; he or she may not know it's important to you. Be proactive.
How to write down how often you should take a medication?
Understand your medications. Your doctor may prescribe a drug for your condition. Make sure you know the name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed for you. Ask the doctor to write down how often and for how long you should take it. Make notes about any other special instructions.
What will we know after a blood test?
What will we know after the test? When the results are ready, make sure the doctor tells you what they are and explains what they mean. You may want to ask your doctor for a written copy of the test results. If the test is done by a specialist, ask to have the results sent to your primary doctor.
What tests do doctors do?
Sometimes, doctors need to do blood tests, X-rays, or other procedures to find out what is wrong or to learn more about your medical condition. Some tests, such as Pap tests, mammograms, glaucoma tests, and screenings for prostate and colorectal cancer, are done regularly to check for hidden medical problems.
How to deal with medical conditions?
If you understand your medical condition, you can help make better decisions about treatment. If you know what to expect, it may be easier for you to deal with the condition. Ask the doctor to tell you the name of the condition and why he or she thinks you have it. Ask how it may affect you and how long it might last.
What is a diagnosis?
A diagnosis identifies your disease or physical problem. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on the symptoms you are experiencing and the results of the physical exam, laboratory work, and other tests.
When to see an anesthesiologist before surgery?
You may also see your anesthesiologist the week before surgery. This doctor will give you medicine that will make you sleep and not feel pain during surgery.
What doctor do you see when you smoke?
So you may need to visit: A heart doctor (cardiologist), if you have a history of heart problems or if you smoke heavily, have high blood pressure or diabetes, or are out of shape and cannot walk up a flight of stairs.
Why do people ask the same questions before surgery?
This is because your team needs to gather as much information as they can to give you the best surgery results. Try to be patient if you are asked the same questions more than once.
What tests are done to check lung function?
Lung function tests. Imaging tests, such as an MRI scan, CT scan, or ultrasound test. Make sure the doctors who do your pre-op tests send the results to your surgeon. This helps keep your surgery from being delayed.
What blood test is done to check your heart?
Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and kidney, liver, and blood sugar tests. Chest x-ray to check your lungs. ECG ( electrocardiogram) to check your heart. Some doctors or surgeons may also ask you to have other tests. This depends on:
What is pre-op surgery?
Pre-op is the time before your surgery. It means "before operation." During this time, you will meet with one of your doctors. This may be your surgeon or primary care doctor:
Who treats blood clots?
A doctor who treats blood disorders (hematologist), if you've had blood clots in the past or you have close relatives who have had blood clots. Your primary care provider for a review of your health problems, exam, and any tests needed before surgery.
How to know if you have a health issue?
Recognizing that you have a health issue is the first step. Whatever is bothering you, you know your own body and if something is off. We realize that some people find doctor visits stressful, expensive, or time-consuming. But if you have concerns about something you are experiencing, don’t wait. Ignoring symptoms until they go away is dangerous.
What is the right diagnosis?
Getting the right diagnosis is a team effort and you are the principal team member . This column shares what you can do before you see your doctor to help improve your chances of getting an accurate and timely diagnosis. These five steps are simple and practical and work for every body.
What are the questions in the toolkit?
Many of the questions in the Toolkit are based on the work of John Ely, MD, MSPH, Professor Emeritus of Family Medicine at Carver College of Medicine. He taught medical students to ask patients eight important questions about their symptoms, in a Who, What, Where, When format. For example: 1 Where is the problem? Does it stay in one place or move? 2 When did it start? How long does it last? How often does it happen? 3 Is it changing? Has it been getting worse or better or is it about the same? 4 How severe is the symptom? On a scale of 1 to 10. 5 What makes it better? What makes it worse?
How long do primary care doctors spend with patients?
Over half of doctors report they spend just an average of 16 minutes or less with each patient. Yet for every hour they can examine and listen and speak with their patients, they spend two hours doing administrative tasks, like ordering tests, prescriptions, and filling out patients’ electronic medical records. So, what can you do in advance to make the most of those 15 minutes?
Where to go if you have trouble breathing?
If your symptoms involve trouble breathing, chest pain or crippling pain anywhere, go to your closest hospital. If you have a choice, go to a hospital that’s a trauma center. For most other symptoms, you can use your time wisely by learning more about them.
When did Drake get his eye removed?
Due to his eye doctor’s swift and accurate diagnosis, Drake was able to get the tumor surgically removed as soon as the following week, in early June 2009. According to his surgeon, had Drake waited even a month to see his doctor, he probably would have died before the appointment.
Can I print out the Patient Toolkit?
You can print the Patient Toolkit and fill it out by hand or save it as a PDF and fill it out on your computer. (Just click Fill & Sign on Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is a free program.) If you choose to fill it out on your computer, you can save it to a file on your smart phone and keep it with you.
What to tell your doctor about your last visit?
If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level.
How to talk to your health care provider?
You can talk to your health care provider online through video or email, or by phone. If you must visit in person, take precautions to protect yourself and others and follow your health care provider’s instructions. Learn more about COVID-19 and doctor visits.
What to do if a doctor doesn't speak Spanish?
If the doctor you selected or were referred to doesn’t speak your language, ask the doctor’s office to provide an interpreter. Even though some English-speaking doctors know basic medical terms in Spanish or other languages, you may feel more comfortable speaking in your own language, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects, such as sexuality or depression. Call the doctor’s office ahead of time, as they may need to plan for an interpreter to be available.
What to do if your interpreter is not from the same country?
If your language is spoken in multiple countries, such as Spanish, and your interpreter does not come from the same country or background as you, use universal terms to describe your symptoms and communicate your concerns.
Can you be alone with a doctor?
Don't let your companion take too strong a role. The visit is between you and the doctor. You may want some time alone with the doctor to discuss personal matters. If you are alone with the doctor during or right after the physical exam, this might be a good time to raise private concerns.
What tests are done before surgery?
Some of the most common tests done before surgery include: Chest X-rays. X-rays can help diagnose causes of shortness of breath, chest pain, cough, and certain fevers. They can also help diagnose abnormal heart, breathing, and lung sounds. Electrocardiogram (ECG). This test records the electrical activity of the heart.
What blood test is used to check for white blood cells?
It can also find out if a person is using medicines that affect white blood counts. You may also need one or more of the following blood tests before surgery: Glucose. This test measures your blood sugar levels. Potassium. This test measures the amount of potassium, sodium, and other electrolytes in your blood.
How to repeat what your doctor told you?
It helps to repeat what your doctor told you. This helps you both know that you understand what your doctor is telling you. Take notes while your doctor is talking. Ask your doctor what their preferred method of communication is for any follow-up questions after your visit, such as via email or a patient portal.
How often should I have a checkup?
While opinions vary, routine checkups with your doctor are generally recommended as follows: once every 3 years if you’re under the age of 50 and in good health. once a year once you turn 50.
What does a nurse do when you go to the doctor?
When you visit your doctor for a routine checkup, the nurse will take you to the exam room and will typically: verify your health history, medications, allergies, and lifestyle choices in your electronic medical record. When the nurse leaves, you’ll undress, slip on a gown, and sit on the exam table.
What should be included in an annual checkup?
For men and women, an adult annual checkup should include a review and update of: your medical history. your family history, if necessary. your medication list and allergies. your vaccination and screening test history. Men and women are typically screened for: high blood pressure.
Why is it important to get regular checkups?
Getting routine checkups is a great way to do that. Regular checkups can help you improve your health and reduce your risk of getting sick.
How to check for abnormal growths?
inspecting your body for unusual growths or marks. feeling your abdomen and other parts of your body, which allows your doctor to check the location, size, consistency, and tenderness of your internal organs. listening to your heart, lungs, and intestines with a stethoscope.
What age should I get tested for HIV?
HIV screening for adults ages 15 to 65 and anyone at high risk. hepatitis C for anyone born between 1945 and 1965. type 2 diabetes for anyone with risk factors or a family history. colorectal cancer starting at age 50.
Why is it important to learn about your surgeon?
Learning About Your Surgeon. It is important to have confidence in the healthcare provider who will be doing your surgery. Whether this is someone you have chosen yourself, or a healthcare provider or surgeon you have been referred to, you can make sure that he or she is qualified.
Who is billed separately for surgery?
You will also be billed separately for the professional services of others who might be involved in your care, such as the assisting surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other medical consultants. Check with your health plan before surgery to be certain of what portion of the costs you will be responsible for.
What is watchful waiting?
Sometimes "watchful waiting" is indicated, in which the healthcare provider will monitor your condition over time to observe changes and the progression of a disease. You may still need surgery, or if your condition improves or stabilizes, you may be able to postpone surgery. After a period of "watchful waiting," it may be determined ...
Why do people have surgery?
Reasons to have surgery may vary from relieving or preventing pain to diagnosing a problem to improving body function. Ask your healthcare provider to specifically explain why this procedure is being recommended for you and make sure you understand how this may improve your medical condition.
Is surgery done in hospitals?
Until recently, most surgery was done in hospitals. Today, however, many procedures are done on an outpatient basis or in ambulatory surgical centers. This lowers the cost of these procedures since you are not paying for a hospital room. Certain procedures may still need to be done on an inpatient basis.
Do you need to get a second opinion for a surgery?
Remember, in the case of emergency surgeries, the surgery should be done as quickly as possible. Most likely , there will not be time to get a second opinion.
Do you need a second opinion before elective surgery?
In certain cases, some health plans may require patients to have a second opinion before undergoing elective surgery. Your healthcare provider should be able to supply you with the names of qualified individuals who also do the procedure.
How to rank a doctor?
Before you get started, there are a few things you should keep in mind: 1 These sites use only patient reviews to rank doctors. This means the ratings are based more on opinion than data showing how well a doctor provided treatment or care. 2 Some rating websites may promote doctors who have a paid rather than a free profile. 3 If you have questions, ask your health care providers. They can help explain what the rankings may mean -- and what they don't mean. 4 Use the information to help you decide. But don't rely on it entirely. Consider what else you know, too.
Do rating websites promote doctors?
Some rating websites may promote doctors who have a paid rather than a free profile. If you have questions, ask your health care providers. They can help explain what the rankings may mean -- and what they don't mean. Use the information to help you decide. But don't rely on it entirely.
What do surgeons need to know about surgery?
Your surgeon will need to know about: Your medications and their dosage, including aspirin, acetaminophen, or antibiotics. Herbs and supplements you take. Allergies. Medications or treatments you've already tried for your condition. Other operations you've had.
Where do most surgeries take place?
Most surgeries used to happen at hospitals, says Frederick L. Greene, MD, a medical director at the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, NC. Now many are done in an "outpatient" center, which means you don't have to stay overnight.
Can you take notes during a surgeon's visit?
It may be a lot to take in during the visit. Ask your surgeon if it's OK to call or come back later with questions. You may also want to bring a family member or friend. They can take notes or fill you in later on things you may have missed during the visit.
The Age of The Doctor
- There are reasons you want to establish an approximate age of the physician. If a doctor is quite a bit older than you are, and may retire or leave practice before you get older yourself, then you may want to keep searching for one who is younger, or at least closer in age to you. If your medical pr…
Length of Practice
- You may be able to assess how long a physician has practiced in one place at your states' medical licensing board site, or it may require one of the online doctor listing sites. For example, if a doctor is 50 years old, but appears to have been practicing in his or her location for fewer than 10 years, that indicates an interruption in his or her practice. An interruption may be due to a vari…
Hospital Affiliations
- Doctors must apply for privileges to admit and treat patients at hospitals. If you have a preferred hospital, it is important that the doctor has privileges to practice there. Some sites will note which hospitals a doctor is affiliated with.
Complaints Or Malpractice
- A doctor may have been reported problems for anything from a bad attitude to an unclean office to malpractice. Problems for others may become problems for you. The FSMB site will list any actions related to medical malpractice, but you may want to do further web searches for the doctor by name for suits that may be pending. To find general commentary about a doctor's pra…
Involvement in Research
- If the doctor is involved in medical research, then their involvement is important to you. Not all doctors participate in medical research, but if they are affiliated with academic or university medical centers, there is a good chance they are. On the one hand, it means they are learning more about your problem, ways to diagnose or treat it, and may be considered experts in the fiel…
Personality and Attitudes
- You will want to review a doctor's personality and attitudes if you will have a long-term relationship with the doctor as a primary care doctoror in a specialty where you will have ongoing care such as a cardiologist, endocrinologist, or allergist. Choosing a doctor who you will have to visit on regular occasions over a number of years means it's important you get along with each o…
A Word from Verywell
- Doing good background research on a doctor is a good way to gain confidence in your choice before you ever see that doctor. When coupled with general advice about choosing the right doctor for you, you have a far better chance of being satisfied with the relationship.