I’m a Physician of 18 Years. Say This 1 Phrase to Your Doctor If You Feel Like Your Concerns Aren’t Being Addressed

With just a few months left in the year, you may find yourself scrambling to get all of your doctors’ appointments taken care of, from your annual physical to skin checks and teeth cleanings. When you only see your doctor once a year, it can be challenging to make sure the visit addresses all of your health concerns, especially if you only have a few minutes with your provider. That’s why family physician Dr. Jen Caudle says it’s important to tell them upfront if you have more than one issue you’d like to talk through. Expert Tip of the Day: Ask Your Doctor for a ‘Plan’ for Any Issues You Wanted Addressed in Greater Detail “You deserve a plan of action for every concern that you bring up to your doctor,” Caudle says. “That plan of action can range from ... when I see you in two weeks, when we go over your lab work, let’s talk more about that insomnia” to prescribing medication, testing or seeing a specialist, she adds. “It’s OK to, for lack of better word, remind your doctor about what you mentioned prior that you didn’t get to either resolve or a definitive plan about.” Why It Matters While it may feel uncomfortable to try to take control of your own care, many doctors often appreciate the extra attention to detail from their patients. “Sometimes, honestly, we’re just going through our list of stuff and ... we just forget as we’re writing our notes and seeing you in the office right, so I appreciate the reminder, like, ‘Oh hey, what about the refill I need?’” Caudle says. “So sometimes it’s it’s a group effort, and I also want patients to know it is their right, and they deserve a plan for everything.” How to Get Started Caudle says that the best approach for getting your concerns addressed starts even before the appointment. First, make a list of everything you want to talk through, including your symptoms, when they started and other relevant details. Then, let your doctor know at the very beginning of the appointment that you have multiple things you’d like to talk through. That way, they can decide which are the highest priority and which can be dealt with more quickly or at a follow-up appointment. And don’t forget to be honest with your doctor about how an issue is impacting your life — there’s no need to downplay, Caudle says. “Sometimes patients are very considerate of their doctor in ways I don’t need them to be,” she adds. TODAY’s Expert Tip of the Day series is all about simple strategies to make life a little easier. Every Monday through Friday, different qualified experts share their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental wellness and more.