Going to the doctor when you know you’ve been feeling unwell for an extended time can be scary, time-consuming, and expensive. Knowing how to prepare for a doctor’s visit and learning about doctor’s appointment tips can help you prepare for talking to a doctor about digestive issues. Whether you’re new to navigating healthcare or have been through this process before, it’s always helpful to remember how to prepare. Even if you’re familiar with these steps, a little organization can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Navigating healthcare systems
- Know what sort of doctor to call, given your type of insurance.
Everyone has different healthcare coverage. You might have none, have insurance coverage through a state system or a workplace, or you might subscribe to a concierge doctor. If you’re unsure where to start finding answers to this question- ask! If you have health coverage, you can go online to find a provider or call the information number. If you don’t have insurance, you can contact a primary care practitioner or similar doctor to see if they take patients without insurance.
- Know the answers to questions that the receptionist typically asks.
Typically, a receptionist will want to know your information (such as name and date of birth), why you’re calling (in this case, to make an appointment), and the reason for the appointment. Giving a reason for the appointment can help the doctor prepare for your visit (for example, make sure it’s a concern that this doctor treats, provides enough time for the visit, prepare any tests, etc.). You don’t need to go into graphic detail of your concern, but a general overview is helpful. For example, here is what I said: “I’d like to make an appointment for some digestive issues that I’ve been having for the last six months that seem to be getting worse.”
- Give yourself time and space to make the call.
Know yourself and how to accomplish things you don’t want to do. If you need to set a reminder, do that. If you need someone to help remind you to make the call, ask a friend to remind you. I use time blocking and put this as a to-do list item on my calendar.
Preparing for the doctor’s visit
- Check on how you will pay for the visit.
This is different for everyone. Call and ask the doctor’s office if you don’t already know.
- Understand how to get to the doctor’s office.
Know how to get there and, if parking, how to park. Parking, especially at large medical centers, can be tricky.
- Know what you want to talk to the doctor about.
If you get nervous speaking about personal details or speaking to doctors generally, practice a short statement of your medical issues ahead of time. If it’s helpful, bring a paper with a list of questions or use the symptom tracker (download below) to help aid the discussion.
- Know what medications (including supplements) you’re currently taking.
One thing I’ve found helpful is to create a list of medications ahead of time. It might seem like a small step, but it can make a big difference when you’re in the doctor’s office trying to remember everything. Bringing a list of medications, including supplements, can help your doctor get a full picture of your health. Some supplements might interact with medications in unexpected ways, so having this information on hand helps your doctor make more informed decisions.
What to expect at the doctor’s appointment
- Talk to the doctor about your concerns generally.
This is generally what they will be asking you about first. Give them a quick overview so they have some general context about your concern.
- Be prepared to answer questions about the onset of issues, how the issue changes, how the issue feels in your body, and the affected parts of your body.
They will also want to know how severe the symptoms are and the general timing of issues. See here for an example of the types of questions that are sometimes asked.
- Be honest.
If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. If you don’t understand a question, ask them to rephrase it.
- Leave with a clear sense of the next steps.
Whether you take notes at the appointment, you bring a friend who can help you remember the next steps, or your doctor prints out a paper of the next steps for you, you want to know what to do next. There are many reasons for digestive issues, so you want to ensure you’re clear on what comes next.
Some of these steps might seem straightforward, but when you’re dealing with health concerns, it’s easy to forget the basics. Taking the time to prepare can help reduce stress and make the appointment more productive.
Want a free Doctor's visit Preparation guide?
Key Points
It’s helpful to organize yourself before making an appointment.
Know the type of doctor to call, depending on your insurance coverage or if you’re uninsured.
Be prepared with basic information like name, reason for appointment, and a brief explanation of your concerns.
Set reminders or ask for help if making the call feels overwhelming.
Confirm how you’ll pay for the appointment.
Find the directions to the doctor’s office.
Write down what you want to discuss and create a list of medications and supplements you take.
Practice summarizing your medical concerns if necessary and bring a list to stay on track during the visit.
Communicate your concerns openly and answer the doctor’s questions about your symptoms, severity, and timing.
Be honest if you don’t know the answer or need clarification.
Leave with a clear understanding of the next steps, whether through notes, help from a friend, or printed instructions from the doctor.
Reactions and Next Steps
What did you think when you read about preparing for a doctor’s visit? What other tips would you add?
By sharing my learning experiences, I hope I’ve sparked something positive in you. I’m working hard to make this a safe and inviting space for all, so leave comments that meet the code of conduct expectations. This community and I would love to hear your stories, thoughts, ideas, and questions to benefit all.
If you find this post helpful and are not yet subscribed, please do so. I’ll email you occasionally to help you find a community of people who are also learning to thrive while having digestive issues. You can subscribe by adding your email to the box below and clicking subscribe.
Additional information
Disclaimers: At the time of writing this post, no financial compensation was derived from any of the sources, products, or people mentioned in this post.
Update history: None.
Linked Sources: Oak St. Health (2024), VeryWellMind (2024), Healthline (2024)
