Meeting the Doctor: Be Prepared

It’s always good to be prepared in life, but many people fail to prepare before going to the doctor. We assume we are going to learn what the doctor can tell us, but we forget how important our participation, through asking questions, may be. As such, we don’t do a lot of “planning” before we meet with a doctor.

Here are some tips for being equipped at your appointment.

Initial Consultation

It can be scary when you’re sitting across from a doctor and they give you a diagnosis that you were not expecting. The news of a medical condition or disease can be devastating and can literally rock your world.

Often times, once news is delivered, you fail to remember what came next in the conversation. Since you can’t always anticipate the direction of the diagnosis, it’s virtually impossible to be fully prepared for all the possible scenarios.

So, if you have any questions that you thought of beforehand, it’s best to write them down and try to take notes during the meeting. It may also be an option to bring your partner, a family member, or a friend to take notes for you.

If you don’t get all of your questions answered, or come up with new ones later, schedule a follow-up visit to go through everything once you’ve had a little bit of time for things to settle in. It is important you get answers and do not hesitate to ask the same questions, or new ones, if you didn’t get all the information you needed the first time.

Regular Visits

If you have a medical condition that requires regular ongoing appointments, it is a good idea to keep a running list of questions between doctor visits, so you don’t forget your questions.

While your doctor visits may be for a different medical condition, it is appropriate to initiate a conversation about your fertility and to talk to your doctor about your age, any risk factors, and your plans for starting a family.

If you can get clear answers, that’s great. However, if you still have concerns, consult a fertility specialist sooner rather than later.

About Amanda Jester, JD

Background:

Amanda is a partner and member of the Board at Waller Lansden Dortch and Davis, LLP, where she focuses her work in the healthcare industry and helping clients navigate through the regulations and compliance issues related to complex transactions. 

Having managed multiple chronic illnesses, Amanda is an “expert” patient. In particular, Amanda was diagnosed with lupus in her early twenties. She was put on a regiment of chemotherapy and high dose steroids for two years, while she suspected her fertility might be at risk.

Amanda was drawn to the mission of the Fertility Foundation of Texas to help local families achieve their dreams of growing their families. She is a member of the Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Contact Information

Website: http://wallerlaw.com

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