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If there is one thing I dread, it is a visit to the doctor’s office. There are many reasons for this, but chief among them is the fact that I dislike being around an environment of illness. I think a potential trip to the doctor can be one of the best remedies, at least for me. I will make excuses to myself that I am getting better rather than go to the doctor. I will try and self diagnose myself on the internet rather than schedule an appointment. (Not a wise idea by the way) However, sometimes a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. For these kinds of situations I have prepared a list of rules to follow.
1) Be polite to the receptionist. Following this one rule sets the tone for your entire visit. Be rude, and don’t be surprised if you sit in the waiting room an extra long time or if the rest of the staff treats you coldly.
2) Do not read the magazines in a doctors office. You do not know what the last person who touched the magazine may have had on their hands. (Vomit, fecal matter, peanut butter, swine flu…)
3) When the nurse takes you in the back and asks to weigh you, don’t make excuses about your clothes adding extra pounds or claim that their scale is broken. Its not broken.
4) When the doctor asks you to remove an article of clothing, don’t make lame inappropriate attempts at humor. Doctors hear it all the time and they don’t think you are funny.
5) Doctors are human and do make mistakes, getting a second opinion on a serious problem is never a bad idea.
In summation, Doctors are amazing and we all owe them a giant debt of gratitude. Have a rule you feel should be added to this list? Let me know in the comments.
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Comments
12.07.09
Josh,
Thanks for making me smile first thing in the morning.
I've learned to create a sickness deadline - you decide exactly how many days you are willing to wait to see if you get better by yourself. If you are still sick on that deadline, you go see the doctor.
Also, a classic recommendation is to ask questions. My mother was a nurse and my dad was a dentist (both are retired now), so I'm very used to people around me switching into medicine-talk and expecting everyone else to understand. Doctors have a specialized vocabulary that you or I aren't going to understand, which is okay. It just means you can't be intimidated & have to ask questions when you don't understand something.
12.07.09
As a follow up to the question comment: There are some instances where a doctor will say he/she will call you with the results. Often, though, you get a call from the nurse. If you have more questions, don't be afraid to ask that the doctor call you directly, especially if that was originally indicated. I know I had a nurse call me to share some concerning results, but she couldn't explain to me why they were concerning or what I could do about them. I asked for a follow up from the doctor, and it turned out things weren't as concerning as I was led to believe.
12.07.09
I think that I would add a rule stating not to be afraid of asking questions. Sometimes I feel stupid (expecially being in the field, kinda) asking questions, but you've gotta. Thats what you went there for, your questions to be answered.
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