doc tips.

If anyone knows me, I’m either at work, in the city, or at Lincoln Hospital. It sucks, but hey let’s face it, I get sick more often than others.

There are a few things I have learned in preparing to the doctor, both from family and friends… So today, I am going to share these tips with you.

Have a Notebook: A notebook is not just for the everyday writer. Have a small notebook, with your information written down. Just make sure you don’t lose it. Have information written down such as: emergency contact information, directions how to get to the doctor. I suggest going to www.hopstop.com for looking up directions. Also, have your insurance information written down in case you don’t have your card.
Have Cell Phone Charged: This is very very very important. Have your cellphone charged before you go to the doctor. One never knows what is going to happen. Worst case senario is that you stay in the hospital longer than expected, and can’t make it to work or you need someone to pick you up.
If You Don’t Have The Phone Then…: Have change, seriously! My grandmother always tells me to have at least a couple of dollars in quarters, and $2o. If your cell phone dies, then at least you will have change to call someone if needed. The $20 should be carried in case you aren’t feeling well, and don’t want to take public transportation and want to take a cab instead. Also, if you want to buy something to eat, and the establishment doesn’t take credit and/or debit cards, you will be prepared.
Always Know What Medications You Are Taking: My grandmother always tells me to carry and prescriptions I am taking to the doctor with me, especially the ER. However, I didn’t realize the importance until I went to my last doctor’s important. When the doctor asked me what mediciations I am taking or was prescribed, I looked at her like she had two heads. I was really embarrased. I said, ummm I think it starts with a T. You definitely don’t want to be in that situation.
Wear Clean, If Possible All Black Underwear: Wear your best undergarments and a t-shirt underneath. When going to the ER and/or physical, you never know if you are going to get a shot or if the doctor is going to examine you. If you are not comfortable showing your bra or chest, then definitely wear the second shirt.
Have Your Indentification Card: Almost always, when going to see a new doctor, the front desk will ask for your insurance card and indentification card. If you do not have your indentification card, then have an id that has your name and photo and a credit/debit card that has your name listed.
Bring Entertainment: Waiting for the doctor to call your name can be both boring and nerve-wrecking. It feels as if your name is never going to be called. I suggest bringing things such as: magazines, portable game consoles, and mp3 players. These things will bring you more at ease.
Have a Snack In Hand: Ever had that moment that you cannot move from seat in the doctor’s office because you if you stepped out, you could risk losing your seat because you are so hungry?… Yes I’ve been there and it sucks. Have a sandwich made, along with a bottle of water orr you could bring chips along as well just in case.
Ask, Ask, Ask, and Do Tell!: When you go to the doctor, and you are asked if you are having any pain, please do tell of any pain you are having! The more specific you are, the closer doctors are to helping you. Also, for pending appointments such as having a sonogram, don’t hestiate to call the office and ask questions. Ask things such as, If I am there early, will I be attended faster? Am I allowed to eat in the waiting room? Most importantly, ask what will be happening. You may think you are overly talking, but in the end, you are informing yourself, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Get Those Documents!: If you are going to another doctor due to a referral, be sure to have that referral handy. In fact, if you can, have a copy ready in case you lose the original. One of the things I do is that I scan the documents to my e-mail and I case I need it, I print it up. Another thing you need to do is after seeing the doctor, request a note that you went to the see the doctor. Work places and schools need these documents.