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Going to see a doctor
By AJ Murphy
Get the most out of your doctor’s appointment
Seeing your primary care physician (PCP) regularly is a great way to stay healthy. You should be ready to tell your doctor as much as you can about what’s bothering you. The more your PCP knows, the more they’ll be able to help you. Be ready to ask good questions and take notes while you’re there. If you need it, your care manager can also help schedule an appointment with your PCP.
How do I get ready for my doctor’s appointment?
It’s good to have a plan before you go to your appointment. Here are some ways you can get ready before you go.
Before you see your doctor:
- Write down your questions and bring them with you.
- Ask a friend or family member to go with you to help take notes and remember what the doctor says.
- Make a list of your symptoms.
- Make a list of all your medications — prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs that don’t need prescriptions, vitamins, herbal remedies or supplements.
- List any other doctors you are seeing.
- Write down the doctor’s name and phone number.
- Write down if you’ve gone to the emergency room. When did you go? What was the reason?
- Write down if you’ve seen a specialist. When did you go? What was the reason?
- Take your health plan member ID card and a picture ID with you. You may also need your Medicaid ID card, if required by your plan.
While you’re at the doctor’s office:
- Tell your doctor your most important problems first.
- Tell the doctor how you feel and if your symptoms have changed recently.
- Answer all of your doctor’s questions, even if you feel embarrassed. You and your doctor are on the same team.
- Ask your doctor or nurse to repeat anything that you don’t understand.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment if necessary.
Ask your doctor questions like:
- What’s my problem?
- What do I do next?
- Do I need tests? What kind?
- How do I prepare for them?
- Do I need treatment?
- Why do I need it?
- Are there side effects?
- Are there different treatments?
How do I schedule or cancel my appointment?
You should call your provider early in the day to make an appointment. Let the office know if you need any special help. If you’re a new patient, you should go about 30 minutes early. That will give your doctor enough time to get your information ready. If you need to change your appointment, call your provider’s office 24 hours before your appointment. This gives the office staff enough time to reschedule you. And they can take care of other patients.
About the author
AJ Murphy is an evocative young writer who grew up in Boston's Charlestown neighborhood. AJ began his writing career at Alaska Ice Rinks Inc. in Anchorage, AK, where he also drove a Zamboni and took care of outdoor hockey rinks.
If you’ve ever had the flu, you know how bad it can be. Getting the flu shot is one way to help prevent against the flu, and it's covered by your health plan. The other way is to understand flu myths and facts, so you can stay healthy.
Be prepared for flu season
A flu vaccine (shot) is your best chance to avoid the flu. It’s best to get a shot each year, as soon the flu shot is available in your area. This can be done at your doctor’s office or a health clinic.
The flu vaccine is available in several forms. Most are given in an arm muscle with a needle. Talk with your doctor about which form is best for you.
Myth vs. Fact
M: You can catch the flu from the flu shot
F: A flu shot cannot cause the flu virus.1 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for just about everyone ages 6 months and older. If you're not sure if you should get the flu shot, check with your doctor first.
M: The flu shot is expensive.
F: The flu shot is covered by your health plan. If you're enrolled, make sure you get your flu shot at no extra cost.
M: The flu shot shouldn't be given at the same time as other vaccines.
F: The flu shot can be given at the same time as other vaccines,2 including the pneumococcal vaccine.
M: Getting the flu shot is all you need to do to protect yourself from the flu.
F: Getting the flu shot is one way to protect yourself. Make sure you also avoid contact with people who have the flu. And remember to wash your hands often.
M: Antibiotics help with the flu.
F: Antibiotics don't necessarily treat the flu. They only help with infections caused by bacteria. Antiviral drugs like TAMIFLU® can fight the flu virus, so you can feel better faster.
1Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD). Misconceptions about seasonal flu and flu vaccines. September 25, 2018. Available at: cdc.gov/flu/prevent/misconceptions.htm?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fflu%2Fabout%2Fqa%2Fmisconceptions.htm. Accessed May 20, 2019.
2Georgia Department of Public Health. Adult influenza and pneumococcal vaccines FAQ.
Available at: dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/Immunizations/Flu-Season-Flu-Pneu-FAQs.pdf. Accessed May 20, 2019.