Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling frustrated, unheard, or unsure what to do next? That experience is more common than you might think. Studies show doctors allow patients an average of only 12 to 23 seconds to speak before redirecting the conversation, and many visits last less than 20 minutes. Here are some practical ways to make the most of your time.
Prepare before you go. Write down your concerns in order of importance. Practice saying them out loud. Start the visit with a brief personal connection: “How is your day going?” Then, move directly to your first concern. Be specific and honest: “I’m afraid of falling,” “I haven’t been sleeping,” or “I’ve had pain here for three days.”
Don’t accept “it’s just your age” as a final answer. If cost is a barrier to a test, procedure, or medication, say so. You can be referred to a social worker who can help you navigate your options. If you feel a delicate issue requires privacy, it’s completely appropriate to ask for a moment alone with the doctor.
Bring support if you can. A trusted friend or family member can take notes and help you remember what was said. You can also ask the doctor to repeat anything unclear, request printed materials, or find out if there’s a patient portal for follow-up questions.
Finally, know that you have the right to switch doctors if you consistently feel unheard. And if you haven’t yet had a conversation about your end-of-life wishes, consider one: compassionandchoices.org/eolc-tools is a helpful resource to get you started.
