Preparing for a doctors appointment and asking the right questions can help you keep track of your health and also raise any concerns that you may have.
1. Is my health on track?
If you are seeing a doctor for the first time or if it has been a while since your last visit, revisiting your health concerns and goals is always a good idea. To start the conversation, bring all your health information with you to your appointment. Write a full list of all medications you are taking, including over the counter and prescribed medications, as well as any herbal remedies, supplements and vitamins you are taking.
It is also a good idea to share any health app information you have been tracking, so you can start the conversation to re-evaluate your health priorities and goals.
2. Is this bulk billed?
Knowing whether or not the service, doctor or medical centre bulk-bills matters. Bulk billing means you don’t have to pay for your medical service from a health professional as it falls under the Medicare Benefit Scheme. This is an Australian Government service that provides patients with financial assistance towards the costs of their medical services.
3. What are the side effects/risks?
When speaking to your Doctor to help identify a problem or a health concern: symptoms, causes, treatments and tests should be spoken about in terms of the diagnosis. It’s important that you are asking the right questions, such as: will there be side effects to the test or treatment? What risks are involved that can effect my everyday life? These questions can be beneficial in helping you make the right decision for you; its best to remember there is no one-size fits all in terms of your health journey – everybody’s looks different.
4. Am I up-to-date on my vaccinations?
With moving from one state to the next, spending time working overseas or changing doctors or medical practices, we can often forget what vaccinations we have had as a child or adult. Whatever the reason and regardless of your age now, it’s worthwhile to check if you’re up to date with your vaccinations.
Prior to your doctor appointment, try to locate any written records of past vaccinations. Your doctor can also check your immunisation record on the Australian Immunisation Register that records details of vaccinations given to children under seven years of age as well as adults vaccinated after September 2016.
5. When should I come to see you again?
Right before you leave a doctors appointment, it is always best to ask when your next visit should be, planning is the best preventative measure you can take to keep your health on track.
To check in with your health and wellbeing, book online today.