Going to a doctor’s appointment can feel overwhelming, even for energetic and socially active individuals. Even when you feel ill, lying on the couch all day may seem like a better alternative. If you live a busy lifestyle and barely have time for yourself, visiting primary care doctors for regular checkups may not be feasible. At Southern Maryland Medical Group, we understand the challenges of keeping up with medical appointments, especially in the hustle and bustle of city life. Here are helpful tips we recommend to make doctor visits easier in the future.
The reality is that you can’t tell that something is wrong unless you schedule a doctor’s appointment. Regular wellness evaluations and screenings are crucial to help you stay healthy and create a familiarity with your physician. Research shows that nearly 25% of American adults do not visit primary care doctors. If you are currently without a physician, take the necessary steps to schedule routine wellness exams. This gives you peace of mind knowing you are in top shape and ready to face life with a smile.
While medical professionals, such as cardiologists, may only review 2 or 3 issues during a single visit, you can still make a return visit. Make a list of concerns before or after the appointment and schedule a follow-up appointment. Prioritize the concerns that affect your daily life to keep visits centered on a few issues to help you remember and follow through on the doctor’s advice. Additionally, factor in which medical conditions run in your family when prioritizing your medical concerns. Tell your physician about this family history, as it will help them provide good preventive care.
After a doctor’s appointment, inquire about a follow-up visit to book it in advance. The last thing you want is a long list of issues getting in the way of your follow-up, especially if the problem persists or the initial advice didn’t completely resolve the problem. Whatever the reason, ensure you schedule a follow-up before leaving the doctor’s office. This helps you find a good time to come back without risking inconveniences and disruptions to your daily activities. Some specialists, like heart doctors, can recommend video appointments to enhance convenience and save you a lot of time before the next in-person checkup.
During your doctor’s appointment, remember to bring your medical records to provide the physician with critical information about your background. This is particularly important for those who do not have a primary care doctor and are looking to set up care with a new physician. Once you sign a release form, share as much information as possible about your health with the new doctor. You can also sign up for digital portals that labs, offices, and imaging centers provide, allowing you to print out records as needed.
At the doctor’s appointment, be honest with your responses to questions about your lifestyle and medical history. Although this can feel like an invasion of privacy, take comfort knowing that primary care doctors meet many people and ask questions out of genuine concern. It can be tempting to say what you think the physician wants to hear, so don’t! A primary care doctor can only provide the best care if they have everything that’s going on. With this in mind, be honest about your diet, sexual history, substance abuse, and other aspects of your life that can ensure the best outcome.
By implementing these tips, you can make healthcare easier and give yourself the best chance to lead a healthy life. Contact Southern Maryland Medical Group to book an appointment and take a proactive approach to your overall well-being.
Southern Maryland Medical Group has 3 convenient locations to provide professional medical care services in the Southern Maryland area. Call or schedule an appointment with one of our locations to get medical care help.
5801 Allentown Road, Suite 400 Camp Spring, MD 20746
Phone: 301-868- 0150
Billing Inquiries: 301-552-1270
Fax: 301-868-0243
7500 Greenway Center, Dr #1200 Greenbelt, MD 20770
Phone: 301-486-7580
Billing Inquiries: 301-552-1270
Fax: 301-486-7581
6510 Kenilworth Ave, Ste 1400, Riverdale MD 20737
Phone: 301-618-0771
Billing Inquiries: 301-552-1270
Fax: 301-618-0772
