It’s probably happened to you before—you get back from a doctor’s appointment, and once you’re home for a little while, you think of a question you wanted to ask the doctor but forgot to. Thankfully, with online patient portals and virtual visits gaining popularity, you can ask that question a little easier than maybe in the past, but it’s still a good idea to come to your appointment armed with any questions you can think of.
To help you be more prepared for you next appointment, Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has five questions that doctors say you should always ask them.
- Ask About Your Weight
Surprisingly, many doctors say they won’t bring up potential weight concerns on their own because it can be a sensitive subject. They will usually bring it up if it is a serious health concern, but one study found that nearly three out of every five doctors will wait for the patient to address their weight first.
- What Will This Cost?
Doctors will order tests, recommend you to a specialist, or perform tasks in the office, but these are normally done without a price tag because it differs for every person. If you ask beforehand, the doctor will likely not know, but they have people on staff that can work with your insurance to get you an out-of-pocket estimate.
- List Your Medications
This is on the form you fill out and a nurse will usually confirm which medications you are taking at the beginning of the visit, but you’ll want to make sure your doctor has an accurate list (you can print it out and hand it to him or her if you wish) of your medications; this way, you aren’t prescribed anything that might negatively impact something you’re already taking.
- Find Out About Your Vaccinations
Check to see if you’re up to date on your vaccinations. This can include longer-term vaccines like tetanus (tDap) and more regular ones like the flu and shingles. In the coming months, you’ll also want to get the latest from your doctor regarding any potential boosters needed from the COVID-19 vaccine, depending on the version you got.
- Can Medication Be Avoided?
Some doctors are quick to prescribe medication because many patients would prefer to take a pill rather than adopt lifestyle changes. But for many conditions, eating better, exercising more, getting a better quality of sleep, and cutting out bad habits like drinking too much alcohol or smoking can help naturally resolve some issues.
To learn more about Deptford Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://deptford-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org.
