Whether you’re visiting for a routine check-up or managing a chronic condition, your time with your doctor is valuable. But even well-meaning patients can make mistakes that lead to miscommunication, added expenses, or missed opportunities for better care. Learn how to be proactive and get the most out of every visit
Here are 9 things to avoid the next time you visit your doctor’s office—and what to do instead:
1. Not Using the Patient Portal
Many medical practices now offer online patient portals. These secure tools let you view test results, send messages to your doctor, and manage appointments. Some even allow you to access imaging reports and lab work without waiting for a call back or paying extra to print them. If you’re unsure how to use the portal, ask a family member or your doctor’s office staff for help. A few minutes of learning can save you time and money down the road.
2. Poorly Timing Routine Appointments
When it comes to your annual physical or other routine check-ups, timing can make a difference, especially if you have a high-deductible insurance plan. Scheduling in the last quarter of the year may help you take full advantage of your benefits after your deductible is met.
Additionally, if your plan has a Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP), keep tabs on how close you are to reaching that amount. Once you’ve reached the MOOP, your plan must pay 100% of covered services for the rest of the year. Be sure to check your insurance summary to see when you’ve reached your deductible and MOOP.
3. Showing Up Unprepared
Come with a written list of symptoms. Be sure to include when they began, how often they occur, and what makes them better or worse. Keep a notebook or use your phone to track health concerns in real time. Bring your notes to every appointment.
4. Forgetting to Share Other Medical Visits
If you’ve visited a specialist, urgent care, or another healthcare provider, don’t assume your primary doctor has all the details. Medical records don’t always get shared between offices. Request a summary of each visit and bring it to your next appointment. Include any diagnoses, tests, and treatments you’ve received.
5. Holding Back the Truth at the Doctor’s Office
Your doctor is there to help, not judge. Leaving out details about alcohol use, medications, or lifestyle habits can lead to incorrect diagnoses or dangerous drug interactions. Be honest. Even uncomfortable topics like mental health or family stress can play a role in your physical wellbeing.
6. Underestimating the Importance of Family Medical History
Many conditions, from heart disease to certain cancers, run in families. The more your doctor knows about your family’s health, the better they can assess your risks. Talk with close family members and write down any major or chronic illnesses, including age of onset and treatments, if known.
7. Failing to Bring a Medication List to your Appointment
Adults over 65 are twice as likely to experience dangerous drug interactions. The CDC reports that over 600,000 seniors visit the emergency room each year due to adverse drug events. Bring a complete, up-to-date list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take, including dosages.
8. Not Considering Costs and Coverage
Healthcare can be expensive, and not all treatments are covered equally by insurance. If cost is a concern, don’t stay silent. Your doctor may be able to suggest affordable alternatives. For example, outpatient surgery at an Ambulatory Surgical Center is usually less costly than using a hospital. Ask upfront about costs, co-payments, and what insurance will cover. Request written estimates when possible and shop around.
9. Forgetting to Ask Questions
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and forget to bring up key concerns during your visit. Unfortunately, that can lead to delays in care or confusion about next steps. Write down your top questions ahead of time and mention them early in the appointment, not when your doctor is rushing to their next appointment.
Be Your Own Best Advocate
Good healthcare begins with good communication at the doctor’s office. By avoiding these common mistakes and coming to your appointments informed and prepared, you can make the most of your time with your provider and get the care you deserve.
Before your next doctor’s visit, make a checklist: symptoms, questions, medication list, and any outside records. A little preparation can go a long way toward protecting your health!
For help with Medicare plans – or any questions you may have about Medicare – contact AMAC’s Medicare Advisory Service at 1-855-611-4856 or request a quote by clicking on the button below.
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After over 40 years as a licensed healthcare provider, the number one mistake most people make is placing too much trust in the system and the way it has been operating since the pandemic. If your gut says there’s a chance the system is failing you, get a second opinion. The next most common mistake is in thinking the insurance company has YOUR best interests in mind. They only care about their shareholders, and the best way to serve their shareholders is to create profit by denying you your benefits. You MUST advocate for yourself and question/demand/push.
Good advice, be prepared to do the battle, many don’t listen and many don’t want to hear any doubts about their advice. I’d say you know your body, don’t let yourself to be bamboozled.
Excellent article Sabrina.
Being prepared for your doctor’s visit and having a list of questions is excellent advice. A little googling in advance can certainly help with that.
A doctor is just someone who got through 8 years of school, not a god worthy of worship. Stop putting so much faith in them. Some are good, some are not. Many do more harm than good because they just write prescriptions for everything all day long.
It is very hard to know your family history if you are adopted in a state that still has sealed birth certificates not allowing adoptees to be aware of their own heritage Many states still have these laws even though some states have changed this law to allow adoptees the same civil rights as other citizens