Dr appointmet

[cassiesmom]

Dear Patient,

-It's never a bad idea to write down the things you want to talk to the doctor about. If there are several, you can even number them so you and your doctor talk about your highest priorities first. The highest priority question should be asked when the doctor enters the room, not when s/he is opening the door to leave the room at the end of your visit. We want to make the best of your visit.
-If you have prescriptions from more than one physician, please bring them all or a list (include everything you take!) so we can review them.
-If you are coming for an appointment, if at all possible, please don't bring your young child with you. And if you bring her with you, please don't leave her in the waiting area while you are in the exam room.
-If you are going to be late, please call and let us know. We might ask you to reschedule.
-I really need you to know your insurance plan. I don't know the subtle little nuances of each individual plan. If you are in doubt, bring your book and we'll figure it out together. Please don't yell at me about what your insurance plan does or does not cover. That's something you need to speak with the plan and/or your employer about. I can't change what they have decided.
-Don't lie to me or stretch the truth. As a nurse, I'm a pretty good BS detector. It's YOUR health and I appreciate your honesty.

Dear Doctor,
Yes, I'm a nurse, but I'm also a patient. That said, here are some things I'd like you to keep in mind.
-My background is in rehabilitation. I'm not a med/surg nurse. Sometimes I need information in lay terms.
-I admit that I'm not as adherent with your treatment recommendations as I should be. Please help me do a better job.
-Sometimes an 11th hour cancellation can't be avoided. I appreciate your office manager giving me the benefit of the doubt before she assesses me a $50 missed appointment fee.
-I hate to be stuck in the exam room for 45 minutes after the CMA takes my vitals and tells me you'll be right in. If you're that far behind, I'd like to know it before I'm roomed.
-I understand that because of managed care, I have only 11.73 minutes with you. I truly appreciate it when you take more time with me, even though it puts you further behind.
-I am very grateful for the hundred little things you do for me between visits, such as completing prior authorization forms, communicating with my pharmacy about medication refills and speaking with other doctors about my care.
-Please don't enter the room looking all flustered and then start by saying, "I'm sorry to keep you waiting, I'm so far behind." That makes me feel like I need to rush through this appointment. I need your total time and attention for the next 11.73 minutes. Don't be typing into the EMR while you're talking to me. That makes me think you're not completely focused on what we're talking about.
-I would love it if you'd hire another physician or advanced practice nurse to give the practice more evening and weekend hours. That would be so helpful for me. I work full-time so it is just not practical for me to see you at 1:30 PM a week from Tuesday.

Dear Office Staff of My Parents' Doctors,
-I am calling you as their daughter with questions/concerns about their health. You have their written permission in their respective charts to speak with me. Please help me help them-- when I call with questions or problems, I need you to get back to me, not them. Yes, I'm aware that they each see three different physicians out of four different hospital systems total. I'm just trying to help them keep things straight. Your help is much appreciated!