Taking Control of Your Health

by Michelle S. McIntyre-Brewer

For anyone, visiting the doctor can be an incredibly stressful experience. For a military spouse, it is even more daunting because, while the military insurance plans offer plenty of services, there are still referrals, acronyms, and other confusing issues that need to be resolved before the patient can even see a doctor. Once in the doctor's office, remembering all of the questions that have been on a military spouse's mind seems impossible.

This article provides tips on how to better prepare for a doctor's visit so that appointments are meaningful and provide a sense of security when it comes to health concerns.

1. Stay on Topic

Knowing why you are at the doctor's office is the key to a successful visit. Don't stray away from the topic you came to discuss with your healthcare provider. If it helps, jot down your symptoms and some questions you have for the doctor about your symptoms so you can stay focused.

Examples include:
- A list of physical, mental symptoms being experienced.
- A list of current medications, dosages, frequency taken, and who prescribed them.
- Questions may include:
- What is my diagnosis?
- What caused this condition?
- Should I change anything about my lifestyle to help deal with this condition?
- What tests will I need?

2. Understand Your Doctor's Responses

Since you already have a notepad with questions and other tidbits of information, use it to jot down what your doctor has to say to you. He or she may use medical terms unfamiliar to you. Ask for further explanation, write the name of the diagnosis down and ask the doctor to spell it for you so you can research it later on the Internet, but above all DO NOT LEAVE UNTIL YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THE DOCTOR IS SAYING.

3. Follow-up on Your Own

Your doctor's visit doesn't end the minute that you walk out that door. When you get home, read over your questions and what the doctor has said to you. Do your own research and keep track of your health by jotting down any changes you are experiencing. This will help you prepare for further visits because you will have a way to track your health.

Being responsible for your own health is so important. No one knows you better than yourself and being prepared can be the difference between an unsuccessful visit to the doctor and walking out the door feeling like your doctor listened to your concerns.