Maximize Your Visit

Once you are at the doctor’s office, it’s important to handle your doctor’s visit like a business appointment – you’ve come prepared, you ask for what you need, you repeat what you heard, and you take action to deal with any questions regarding the management of your RA. The following suggestions will help you make the most of the time you spend with your doctor during your visit.

Cover your most important concerns first, and be concise. Patients often experience many symptoms and may try to discuss a lengthy list that cannot be addressed in a single visit.

Bring a support person. Bringing along a friend or family member can help you to relax, remind you of important questions to ask and help you remember the details of your appointment. They can also assist with moral support and can be especially helpful if you have difficulty getting around on your own.

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Take notes, or ask if the doctor has any written handouts or brochures, or if he or she can give you written instructions about any prescribed treatments. Jotting down important notes such as your weight, blood pressure, heart rate, any changes in your medications or treatment plan, scheduled tests and your next appointment will allow you to save and review this information later. Keeping your own records helps make you a more informed patient.

Ask questions whenever something doesn’t seem clear to you. This will help to ensure you understand what’s going on and how to best manage your condition. If something seems confusing to you, try repeating it back to your doctor. If you think that you will understand better with pictures, ask the doctor to see X-rays or have the doctor draw a diagram.

Be honest. Your doctor can recommend treatments only if he or she has the full picture about what’s been bothering you or how you have adhered to your treatment plan. And don’t be embarrassed to share specific details – your doctor wants to help you and by being honest you make your condition easier to properly treat.

Repeat the key points you’ve heard during the visit. It’s easy to forget or misunderstand instructions. Repetition will allow your doctor to clarify anything that has been confusing and will help you remember what you discussed.

Take part in decisions about your treatment plan by sharing your goals and preferences. Let the doctor know if there are any possible barriers to following his or her recommendations, such as financial concerns, conflicts with sleep, eating habits or daily schedule. Understand that no single treatment plan is best for everyone with rheumatoid arthritis. Keep an open mind when working with your doctor.

Don’t hesitate to follow up. If you forgot to ask something during your appointment, make sure to call the office to get an answer. Although it may not be possible to speak with your doctor, you will be able to leave a message for call back. By waiting to ask until your next visit, you could miss valuable information that could make your condition more manageable in the meantime.

By following these suggestions, you can walk away from your doctor’s appointments knowing you are equipped with all the information you’ll need to manage your disease until you see your doctor again.