Things to Remember When Visiting Your Doctor

Here’s an interesting thing that some people think is a good idea when visiting their doctor’s office. By that, I mean asking the appointment coordinator or a nurse for a payment plan/discount. Obviously, these members of the staff don’t possess the authority to deal with this. You will, of course, need to discuss anything of this nature with the doctor. In some cases, though, an office manager may have the authority to handle this. But it’s always a good move to ask the doctor, first. Still, you should keep in mind that constantly asking for discounts, or some other type of special consideration, is not the best way to stay on your doctor’s good side. If you have some special financial concern that requires that you ask for financing, make sure that you approach the subject in a graceful manner.

Find a medical practitioner in your area now

Another thing to remember about paying your doctor is that your medical insurance is really between you and the insurance company that you have the contract with. Your physician may file your claim for you. But it’s not something that the doctor’s office has to do – so don’t treat it as a requirement, since it’s a courtesy. Also keep in mind that if there are any overages that the insurance doesn’t cover, then you are responsible for paying those charges. Never insist that the doctor’s fees are too high. This is something that you should have been aware of, prior to treatment. Any issues with the insurance coverage should be discussed with the insurance company – not the doctor or the staff. The staff may offer to help but still, they’re very busy. If you take it upon yourself to do the follow up, they’ll appreciate you that much more.

Another thing to remember, prior top visiting your doctor, is to bring all of you pertinent insurance information with you. If you possess an insurance card – bring it with you! Pay attention if you have a dental plan that provides you with a card and be aware of the difference between a medical and a dental card. Dental plans are not usually linked to medical plans. This also pertains to vision insurance, as well. In some cases, the doctor’s staff may already know what plan you’re covered under. But this is usually in cases where you work for a large organization, such as a Federal or State agency or a nearby large company that sends their employees to specific doctor’s offices. Otherwise, don’t expect the staff to be familiar with your medical insurance company.

Keeping these items in mind will make the office staff’s job easier and will facilitate your dealings with your medical insurance company regarding your medical bill payment.

· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist's office. They will love you for this.

· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I've had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they'll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they'll be your friends forever.

· Do not wear strong perfume. I'm constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor's office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.

· Do not cry. Yeah you're hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they'll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.

More Doctor Tips

· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you've already seen. It could be the doctor's best friend. Or a staff member's friend. If you've been 'doctor shopping' and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don't tell the new doctor that you've seen '5 different doctors and can't find a good one'. You'll be pegged as a 'problem patient' in a heartbeat and won't be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.

· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor's office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they've said. I've seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don't think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country's leaders, your doctor is also. He may be in a different financial situation than you are and has differing opinions.