4 Main Things to Expect When You Visit the Doctor's Office
It is estimated that 84.9% of US adults visit a doctor every year. A doctor's office visit can be an anxiety-inducing event. Doctors are often busy, and it's hard to know what you should expect when you arrive at the office for your appointment.
To help ease some of that anxiety, here is a list of four things you should expect when visiting a doctor's office for the first time.
1. Filling Out a Form
When you make your first doctor's office visit, you'll have to fill out a form with your name, address, and insurance information. After that, you will sit in the waiting room for a few minutes. Then you will be called back to a viewing room. The doctor will come in and introduce themselves to you. They'll ask some questions, such as what the problem is, how long it's been going on, and if there have been any other issues with your health recently or in the past. Doctors are required by law to be confidential. So, you can rest assured that they won't tell anyone else what you say.
2. Taking Information About Your Medical History
Doctors will often ask you questions about your medical history or symptoms. For instance, they may ask you to describe your symptoms, when they first appeared, and how long they have lasted. They may also enquire about any pain or discomfort that is associated with the medical problem at hand.
Further, you may be asked about medications and supplements that you take, as well as any allergies to medication. If certain medications or dosages should not be taken with the one already prescribed, they may need to know this to avoid potential side effects or an overdose.
3. Performing Physical Exam
If you visit a doctor's office, the physician will check your body for anything out of the ordinary. For instance, they can use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs or test your reflexes by tapping certain points on your knee or ankle using a hammer.
They may also press and poke various parts of your body to check for abnormalities. For example, the doctor will usually test out different areas of the skin by pressing down hard or poking around with their fingers, looking for signs of any abnormality.
4. Performing Tests
On some occasions, the doctor may order some lab tests or x-ray to help them get more information about your health. Typically, physicians order tests to help diagnose a condition or rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing symptoms.
If you're feeling anxious about a medical appointment, take the time to learn what typically happens. Then, schedule an appointment in a doctor's office near you.
Share
