Developing a Healthy Relationship With Your Doctor

Do you know your doctor? Does your doctor know you? Developing a relationship with your doctor is one of the best things you can do to stay healthy. Here are a couple tips for building a healthy relationship with your doctor at Riverview Health:

Make an introduction

Most people don’t schedule an appointment with a doctor until a problem comes up, but that doesn’t have to be the case. If you’re meeting a new doctor, you can schedule a “get to know you” appointment or annual physical to discuss your overall health history and current state of health. Once you’ve established a relationship with a primary care physician this way, future visits can be shorter. This is especially important if you have an urgent need for care, such as an infection or rash, as it makes it easier for your doctor to fit you in. Plus, if your doctor already knows your health history, they can treat you more quickly once you’re in their office.

Write it down

Many people become intimidated when they enter a doctor’s office. It’s not unusual to forget questions that you wanted to ask. To make the most of your time in the office, write down these things and bring them to your appointment:

• Any questions you have about your health conditions or any medications you are taking.
• Any health issues you are having. Make a note of when they occur, how long you have had them, their symptoms and whether anything makes them feel better or worse.
• A reminder to ask about what screenings and immunizations a person of your age and sex needs. Regular screenings such as Pap tests and prostate screenings can help in detecting problems early when they’re most treatable.
• When meeting a new doctor, write down a short medical history. If you can, get your medical records from past providers so that your doctor can have a complete picture of your health. Make sure to mention all the medications you are taking, including prescription, over-the-counter, and other supplements such as vitamins or herbs. Include the dosage and how often you take them.

After your initial visit, continue to make a list of things you want to talk about with your doctor when you have appointments. And don’t forget to make regular appointments to check in on your health. One way to remember is to make your next appointment before you leave. That way, your good health will become a matter of routine.

Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.