Healthcare Hacks: How to Get the Most Out of Your Doctor’s Appointment

Doctor’s appointments can be intimidating. It’s a universal experience. And everyone wants to feel like their doctor is invested in them. As two doctors who are on the other side of things, we know how it feels when you walk into a sterile environment where you’re given a limited amount of time to be assessed and have all your questions answered. In today’s episode, Dr. Lucky Sekhon and Dr. Alicia Robbins are giving you all the hacks and practical tips on how to get the most out of your doctor’s appointments. It’s enough to be a patient dealing with a medical problem, but navigating the healthcare system and coordination of everything that needs to be done is no small feat and can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure. Most doctor appointments are 15 minutes, or even less, and we are here to help you be prepared to use every single moment of that visit wisely. Dr. Sekhon and Dr. Robbins share how you should prep for your appointment, what to prioritize when you’re actually there, and the questions you should ask before you walk out the door. This episode stresses the importance of knowing enough to be able to participate actively and proactively in your medical care. There are so many good doctors—you don’t go through years of grueling training without having a purpose or a reason behind it. Is it an optimal healthcare system? No. But this is all about being strategic, efficient, and maximizing as much as we can. You can get a lot more out of your experience and have better care if you are able to self-advocate, and today’s episode is really about giving you those tools. Plan it, be strategic, know your story, understand your options, speak up when something doesn’t make sense, and remember that your doctor has seen it all, so don’t be embarrassed to be vulnerable. And yes, crying IS normal!  We hope this episode inspires you to take your health into your own hands. The best care isn’t a doctor dictating what happens to a passive patient, it’s a partnership. IF YOU’RE TEXTING YOUR FRIENDS LIKE... You: I have a doctor’s appointment tomorrow...I’m feeling nervous about it... Also You: What should I ask my doctor? Can I ask them about this health trend I saw on TikTok? 3AM You: Wait…do I only get 15 minutes with them? What should I prioritize???  IF YOUR GOOGLE SEARCH HISTORY LOOKS LIKE THIS… What should I bring to my doctor’s appointment? Is it normal to be anxious going into a doctor’s appointment? Should I bring up other health concerns at my annual check-up? How honest should I be with my doctor? Will my doctor be upset if I bring up medical advice I saw on social media? How do I advocate for myself without being confrontational? What questions should I ask my doctor before I walk out? Can I record my doctor’s appointment, or take notes? Do doctors get annoyed if you bring someone with you? How can I not be an annoying patient but still get the answers I’m looking for? What are the doctor red flags that I should lookout for? YOU’VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE! Let’s continue the conversation! Leave us a voicemail with your questions at 754-CALLDOC (754) 225-5362. Nothing is off limits.  Follow Us on Instagram:  @callyourdoctorpodcast  @lucky.sekhon   @aliciarobbinsmd THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!Instant Hydration: For a better way to stay hydrated, go to instanthydration.com/CALLYOURDOCTOR and use our promo code CALLYOURDOCTOR for over 40% off your first subscription order.Quince: Find the fall pieces you'll reach for most. Download the Quince app for app-exclusive offers, or go to quince.com/callyourdoctor. Get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code CALLYOURDOCTOR at https://www.oneskin.co/CALLYOURDOCTOR