A senior’s guide to visits and checkups with your physician

With each passing year, seniors may spend more time visiting a primary care physician. Visits and checkups may become more frequent to stay healthy and manage chronic conditions that come with age. As a senior, your healthcare picture may become more complex as multiple physicians or specialists may be necessary to cover all the needed care.

Planning ahead can help seniors and their families better manage and feel more at ease with physicians and other providers in the office. Our senior’s guide is designed to offer practical advice and handy tips to make managing your healthcare easier.

When choosing a new physician , many people ask friends or family for their advice or opinions. Beyond personal recommendations, you may consider the following when searching for a physician:

• Location of the office or center
• Hours you can reach providers, especially after normal business hours
• If the office is accepting new patients
• Services offered like virtual care or telemedicine

Once you’ve chosen a new physician, spend time during your first visit getting to know the office, the staff, and the providers to decide if you’re comfortable with the office and care. 

While every office is different, the process for new patients is generally the same. Once you’ve chosen a physician and set your first appointment, care teams like ours can help you with the next steps, which generally include:

Filling out the standard new patient paperwork is common, whether an office requests hard copy forms or has their forms online. You can expect to provide your basic identifying information, insurance coverage, and your health history. If you’re taking any prescription medications or have a chronic condition, be sure to include that information as well.

With electronic medical records, now required by law, healthcare providers now offer a convenient way to view your medical records online. Part of the new patient process will include setting up a new account online through a patient portal. If you’re unfamiliar with this technology, care teams or caregivers can help you get online access.

Since the pandemic, vaccinations have taken on added importance, especially in public spaces like medical offices. Be prepared to answer questions about your own vaccination history and status.

Planning ahead can help your visit be as productive as possible, allowing you more time to visit and speak with your physician. Here’s a list of helpful things to consider before you arrive at the physician’s office or primary care center.

1. A sweater or jacket to stay comfortable or warm in offices that may be particularly cool, especially when air conditioned.
2. A writing pad and pen to take personal notes or capture information that you’d like to revisit or keep handy.
3. A healthcare advocate, family member, or caregiver if you have physical limitations like hearing problems or mobility issues.
4. A list of your concerns including any symptoms you’re experiencing like unusual pain or fatigue. Be sure to think about how long you’ve been having the symptoms or not feeling well.
5. Glasses or hearing aids that you wear regularly.
6. A list of all over-the-counter and prescription medications you are currently taking.
7. Any other records or recent tests related to the current health problem.
8. A list of your questions or concerns about your health.
9. Important identifying information like your driver’s license or picture I.D. and your insurance care or Medicare card.

Good healthcare begins with a strong relationship between you and your physician. Communicating openly and honestly about your health and symptoms helps your physician provide better care.

Physicians are busy professionals who listen to many patients during the day. Start by listening, asking for any explanations or clarifications if you’re confused or not clear about information. Your physician will rely on your information to build a complete profile and history.

Other topics you may want to discuss with your physician:

• Major lifestyle changes that have affected you either in a positive or negative way. Did you quit a lifelong smoking habit? Or recently start exercising?
• Your mental and emotional health. Are you feeling depressed or anxious?
• Have you had a poor experience with a healthcare provider in the past?

Talking with a provider isn’t always easy, especially when difficult situations arise. No matter the age or circumstance, situations arise that may create tension or fear. By talking openly about any of these situations, you’ll give your physician better insight and an opportunity to help you.

It’s not always easy to talk about:

• A misdiagnosis
• Treatments that don’t improve health
• Not feeling heard or taken seriously by a provider
• Not understanding a diagnosis or medical terminology
• Lack of communication or misunderstanding
• Side effects from medications
• Losing independence or mobility
• Serious or terminal diagnosis
• Living wills
• Being alone with no support

Having a care team and physician who feel like trusted family can mean all the difference in the world during difficult times. A strong patient-physician relationship is a partnership that creates feelings of security and trust for a long time, not just one visit. If you’re facing a difficult time, schedule a visit with your physician and start by expressing your concern or fears. 

If you or a loved one has a particular challenge or circumstance, a visit may feel too intimidating. Special circumstances may require different support or resources when visiting with a healthcare provider.  These may be:

• Patients with dementia
• Patients who refuse to see a physician
• Caregivers who offer sporadic support and lack insight into a loved one’s full health picture.

Seniors have the power to create better healthcare experiences by building good relationships with primary care physicians. By planning before an appointment and knowing how to talk with your physician, seniors and caregivers can build a strong foundation for future visits and better health.

Related articles:

Taking Care Of Elderly Parents

How Often Should You Get a Checkup?

A Healthcare Team on Your Side

Sources:

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/how-to-prepare-for-a-doctors-appointment-tips-for-seniors-and-their-caregivers-132484.htm

https://www.agingcare.com/articles/preparing-elders-with-dementia-for-a-doctors-visit-133423.htm

https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/talking-with-your-doctor.pdf