Having A Good (& Productive) Doctor Visit

Things to remember when you see your diabetes doctor so you can have a good and productive visit

A trip to your doctor should be one that is beneficial to your diabetes management plan.  With the cost of healthcare these days it's important to try to get the most out of each visit.  How many times have you arrived home only to remember something you should have asked the doctor?   If this file is being read by the parent of diabetic child these questions should be asked about your child's history.
 

FIRST THINGS FIRST:

Preparation for your trip to the doctor starts immediately after your last visit.  Start keeping track
of your blood glucose level, your eating habits and anything else your doctor has asked you to keep track of.   You might want to buy a little pad or notebook for this purpose.   It'll be easy to write things down in one place.   Diabetes journals are especially suited for this purpose.

Write down any questions that come to mind so you won't forget to ask them. You might not remember them three months down the road.   If you have a diabetic child write down any questions your child may ask you that you can't answer.  Hopefully your doctor will be able
to give you the information you need.
 

THE DAY OF THE VISIT

Before you leave for the doctor take out your blood glucose record (if you keep one).  Make sure you take the pertinent dates for the visit.  You don't need to carry your entire blood glucose record with you.

If you're visiting a new doctor take any medications you or your child are using.  It's better to have the prescription bottles there instead of trying to remember the names and doses of each drug you or your child takes.
 
 

ONCE YOU'RE THERE

Here are some questions to ask and things to tell the doctor when you first arrive:
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1)  Are any lab tests back?  If so, what were the results?
2)  Tell the doctor about any illness(es) you've had since your last visit.
3)  Ask for any prescription refills you  need.
 
 

WHAT TO GET CHECKED

Here are a few items to get checked while you're at the doctor:

1)  feet (for any abrasions, cuts, scratches, red spots, etc...)
2)  skin
3)  eyes
4)  heart rate
5)  blood pressure
 

WHEN TO GET A NEW DOCTOR

If you or your child finds that the doctor you're seeing isn't helping you.  Or the doctor's personality doesn't match your needs then it's time to shop for a new doctor.   In the case of a diabetic child  it's important to listen to the child's needs.  Take the child's opinion as objectively as you can and decide if a new doctor is needed. Don't "doctor shop" just because a doctor is trying to get you to take better care of yourself or your child.  If the doctor is genuinely trying to help and you're just not open to being held responsible then it's not the doctor's fault.

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