How to Behave in a Doctor's Office

That nasty cough that won't go away, a raging fever, an unusual itch or even a broken toe. All of these are reasons to head over to your doctor's office for a friendly visit. Or it could be that it's time for your yearly physical exam. A visit to the doctor doesn't need to be a scary occasion as long as you know how to behave once you arrive at the office.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Schedule your appointment. When calling about routine examinations, call several weeks in advance and try to be available for an appointment in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon times since before or after work and lunch time appointments fill up quickly.

2. Arrive for your appointment early to allow time to complete necessary paperwork. The number of forms required by your doctor will increase exponentially by the number of degrees you are over the normal 98.6 temperature.

3. Step on the scale so the nurse can weigh and measure you as soon as you are called to the back area of the office. Don't try to fudge your weight by not eating before your appointment or look taller by standing on your tip toes. The doctor needs correct measurements so he can track any changes, which might be a symptom of some health issue.

4. Head to the bathroom to give a urine sample. Not all doctor's will perform an urinalysis, but be prepared by drinking plenty of liquids before your visit and then just "hold it" until you arrive. If the doctor doesn't ask for a sample, you can ask the nurse to point out the location of the bathroom before the doctor arrives.

5. Follow the nurse into the examination room where he or she will take your temperature and blood pressure. They will always tell you your blood pressure, but you may need to ask if it's good or bad since all those numbers are confusing unless you've been properly trained.

6. Give your family medical history and your own personal medical information to the nurse and your doctor will review it with you before your examination. Don't keep Uncle Ted's strange behavior a secret since your doctor needs to be fully informed in order to make good decisions regarding your care.

7. Remove your clothes, depending on the reason you are visiting the doctor. Removing your clothes for a sore throat and runny nose probably won't be necessary.

8. Describe your symptoms once the doctor arrives to examine you. Give details, be specific, and use your hands to show exact locations. Saying you have a tummy ache isn't as helpful in diagnosing your condition as holding your hand 3 inches to the left of your bellybutton to demonstrate where it hurts.

9. Give a blood sample, if asked. Depending on your symptoms, a blood test may be necessary to determine the nature of your illness.

10. Participate in any other tests that the doctor orders. Your doctor may need to take cultures from your throat or other parts of your body. If x-rays or more elaborate tests are needed, you will probably be sent to another location.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring a book or magazine to keep you occupied. They don't call it a waiting room for nothing.

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