By Amy Kaschinske, RN, BSN, FCN

Navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, particularly as we age and our “problem list” starts to rival our grocery list.

In 27 years of nursing, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be during and after a medical office visit, especially for the aging population.

How many times have you left an appointment and thought, “I wish I had asked more about ____________ !” While providers continue to give excellent care and communicate the necessary information and explanations, the time in office visits is getting shorter and shorter. Medical information often comes at a rapid pace, creating opportunities for misunderstanding and lost pieces.

When I meet with patients, I often encourage them to create a list of questions they would like to ask — PRIOR to the appointment. Having things written down, almost as a list to be checked off, will help put them in control of the office visit and decrease the likelihood they walk away feeling uninformed. I also encourage them to ask “why, what, and how?” Why are tests being ordered, why am I being prescribed this medication, and when and how should I take it? What can I expect from these medications and when should I hear back about the test results? This not only gives them the answers they need, but it provides the provider an opportunity to educate and assess understanding.

In the digital age, almost every healthcare system has moved to an electronic medical record. While there are significant benefits to these, there are equal amounts of drawbacks. I encourage my patients to ask for everything to be printed out. If they need to know it, then it should be on a piece of paper they can hold in their hands. A printed summary provides an immediate reference for appointment details, medication names and instructions, procedure information, and diagnoses — and it can easily be shared with family members or caregivers.

One of the strategies that I encourage most is having another person present during an office visit, especially someone who is familiar with your health history. Having an additional set of “ears” is invaluable. This allows the patient to freely have their conversation with the provider while the second person can really listen and take detailed notes for clarification later. Everyone should have an advocate to help navigate office visits as well as procedures and tests.

In the end, advocating for yourself is the best tool you can bring to the office visit. I encourage my patients to act on feelings of uncertainty or uneasiness. Asking questions and clarifying instructions are not burdens on their healthcare team. These initiatives are essential to a solid patient-provider relationship as well as ensuring safe and effective healthcare. By actively participating in your healthcare, you help ensure your needs are met, and your dignity and wishes are preserved.

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT A DOCTOR’S VISIT

► What is my diagnosis, and what does it mean in simple terms?

► What might have caused this?

► Is this temporary or something I’ll manage long term?

► Are there warning signs I should watch for?

► Do I need any tests? What will they show?

► How should I prepare for them?

► When and how will I get the results?

► What happens if the results are normal — or abnormal?

► What are my treatment options?

► What do you recommend, and why?

► What happens if I choose not to treat this right now?

► How soon should I expect improvement? 

► What is this medication for?

► How and when should I take it?

► What side effects should I watch for?

► Are there interactions with my other medications or supplements?

► Is there a more affordable or simpler option?

► What can I do at home to improve my condition?

► Are there activities I should avoid or start doing?

► How will this affect my daily routine?

► When should I follow up?

► What symptoms mean I should call you sooner?

► Who do I contact if I have questions later?
 

Amy Kaschinske, RN, BSN, FCN, is the director of congregational health and the school nurse at Concordia Lutheran Church and School in Fort Wayne, Ind.