If you’ve ever left your doctor’s office feeling like you forgot to ask an important question or are frustrated because you need to understand their instructions fully, it’s time to take action. Here is how to make the most of a urology visit to help you avoid these situations. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from getting the care you need – use them next time when seeing a urologist.
Tips to optimize visit to a urologist
Be fully prepared for the visit
You are the keeper of your body and therefore, you are the one to be prepared to bring necessary medical records or lab reports (if possible) when seeing your urologist. Do not rely on electronic medical records – depending on access to these records, it’s best to bring them with you in hand, just in case.
Also, prepare 3-4 important questions or concerns (written down to avoid forgetting what you wanted to ask) before your appointment and let your doctor know at the beginning. Discuss each one and ask additional questions if there’s time.
Arrive early
Arriving early for your appointment is the courteous thing to do. It shows that you value the doctor’s time and appreciate their effort in serving you. Delays in appointments often result from patients who show up late, which can create a chain reaction of delays for everyone else. By arriving early or on time, you can help prevent this from happening. In addition, you’ll have more time to discuss your concerns with the doctor, giving you a chance to have a more thorough and productive visit.
Understand that sometimes doctor’s may not answer all your questions
It’s important to understand that even the most skilled doctors may not have all the answers to your questions. However, a good doctor will always inform you when they are unsure of something and will assist you in finding the necessary information or refer you to a specialist. If your doctor frequently ignores your inquiries or dismisses your symptoms as a natural part of aging, it might be wise to consider finding a new doctor.
Take notes
Taking a notepad and pen to your doctor’s appointment is highly recommended. Jot down the main points of the discussion – it’ll help you remember everything you need to know. If you’re worried about missing something, don’t worry. You can always make notes in the waiting room after the visit. And if you like to share information with others, consider bringing an audio recorder with you (with your doctor’s permission, of course). Recording the visit is a great way to ensure you remember everything and can share the details with loved ones.
Fully understand both your health insurance and prescription drug coverage
Taking control of your health insurance can be challenging, but it’s essential to make sure you understand your coverage. Avoid any unwanted surprises by calling the number on your insurance card before seeing a new provider. Ask about co-pay, out-of-pocket costs, prescription drug benefits, and deductible. Don’t forget to inquire about referrals and in-network providers.
If you’re scheduled for surgery or a procedure, make sure you ask about your maximum out-of-pocket cost. This will allow you to plan accordingly and avoid any unexpected bills.
It’s important to know that your doctor may not be fully aware of your prescription drug benefits, which could lead to unexpected costs. You have the right to know whether your insurance covers a specific medication or not. If you’re experiencing issues with your medication, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor and ask for an alternative.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.
