Keys to a Successful Doctor's Appointment

It’s good to hear that some people are happy with their plans. I wish that were more universally true.

For me, I didn’t understand that my Kaiser Advantage plan wasn’t very good until I was sick. The care is parceled out very slowly, appointments have long waits, and you cannot go out of the network. I suppose if I’d done my homework better this would not have surprised me. However, until you are sick you may not even realize how limited you are. I know some people like Kaiser, so not all regions are as bad as mine.

Anyway, I finally got out of Kaiser, but there are challenges aplenty with finding good doctors accepting new patients, dealing with labs, specialists, etc. The “one stop shop” idea has it’s advantages, but I ended end up feeling captive of the system.
I’m happier going it on my own, but it isn’t easy.

As someone who tries to see both sides and understands there is always gray area, or as my husband so graciously points out that I play Devil's advocate too much, I will say that building a relationship with your doctor is key however I do understand that when stressed or scared it's difficult to be in the best mindset and "work on the relationship".

Someone earlier in the thread referred to visiting doctors as being like a business transaction. I agree, doctors need us to earn their salary, and we need them for medical care. It is a partnership and while I do believe you catch more flies with honey, I also have been on the side where I was in distress from pain and not able to think clear and concise, especially with one of my doctors who had zero bedside manner, that I think between the two of us it just did not work as well as I would have hoped. So, my husband joined me at some appointments not only to witness how my doctor was very fickle, but also to be my second set of ears and memory to retain the course of action.

Being prepared with a list of questions, symptoms, current meds, and concerns is helpful - not only for the patient, but the doctor, and when necessary another person to interpret or advocate. Bringing pen and paper to an appointment to take notes and repeating back what you're hearing is helpful as well. Communication is key.

Also, I understand doctors have time limited appointments based on what the appointment is for and that other patients are waiting so it is best to be mindful, clear and concise to make the most of your appointment. I do expect to be focused on when I'm in that room and receive the best quality care for my time, but also recognize I'm not the only one to be seen that day and equally try to be mindful of other patients. Courtesy goes a long way between patient and doctors alike. It's a two-way street.

At the end of the day doctors are like shoes they don't all fit the same. It's up to the patient to find their best fit.

@jboseck23 What I always did when I was first diagnosed, with my new and unusual brain autoimmune disease, was to take a scholarly, legit article from a researcher at a reputable hospital with me or mail it in advance. Always got their attention! And, maybe talk to your surgeon in advance, and ask him to leave a specific order for the hospitalists about pain medication. Hope you have great luck in your future with medical care!

@dloos
As expected the appointment went well. The Doctor agreed to have the appointment recorded. He first reviewed the PET/CT results, the colorized images were stunning, and then presented the initial treatment pathway of ADT simultaneous with proton therapy. The PET/CT scan showed the cancer had metastasized to the pelvic lymph nodes and pelvic wall. Good news and bad news. Bad it had metastasized as afar as it had, good that it had not metastasized further. I was started on HT the same day as the appointment.

There was simply not enough time to discuss in detail genetic testing and the treatment path after proton therapy is complete. Those questions will be addressed by a Medical Oncologist in an upcoming appointment.

I’m glad to hear you had a good appointment.
I understand the “good news, bad news” thought. I have thus far mostly gotten “negative” results on testing. Everyone always congratulates me on finding NOTHING!
Of course no one wants terrible news, but we do want a direction for our care to proceed. I am still, along with my doctors, waiting/looking for that clue.
I wish you the best of luck in your treatment.

This was great to watch. I give my dad doctors a list of questions before his visit. Bring his medical records folder with copies. None of the other office will send copies to the other doctor. So when the doctor enters I'll ask him/ her if they got a chance to review his test or read to specialist office notes and our letter of questions/concerns. . Because were not taught in high school of "how to take care Dad and his doctors" I'm always following Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, also Board Speciality for answers.

In a recent Mayo Clinic Minute Tips there is an article (with a video) about preparing for a medical appointment dealing with sensitive or personal information. The article contains some very worthwhile tips:
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-tips-to-prepare-for-a-sensitive-medical-appointment/