Accept whatever the scheduler tells you and offer that you are flexible in when you can see your doctor, which can help you get an appointment. [1] X Research source It is possible the doctor will have a few “walk-in” slots reserved for people to be seen at the practice. You may not be able to see your specific doctor, but you would still be seen by someone that same day. Make sure to remain calm and courteous with the scheduler at your doctor’s office. Threatening them may make them more reluctant to work with you and find an appointment. [2] X Research source
Consider the nature of your complaints, if body function is affected, how long it has been bothering you, treatments that you have tried, and any thing that makes it better or worse. Use adjectives such as “sharp,” “throbbing,” “gushing,” or “draining” to describe your symptoms. If you are having trouble breathing, or with your circulation, you should call emergency services or go to an emergency room or casualty department in a hospital for immediate attention.
Explain your situation to the manager or nurse as specifically as possible. You may want to gently remind the staff remember that you have been a patient of the practice for a long time and really value the advice your doctor gives you. You can say that you would rather see your doctor than any other health professional, but don’t try to use this as a threat or something to hold over the nurse’s head.
You may need to do a little Internet research to find your doctor’s email address, but now many doctors provide an address at which they can be reached for advice. Keep the email as brief as possible while describing your symptoms and the urgency of your situation. Most people won’t read more than one page.
Consider asking for the names of a couple of doctors in the event that the referrals are also busy.
Remember to remain calm and kind and work with the staff as much as possible. This can help you get an appointment quickly and leave a good impression not only on the staff, but also on your primary doctor’s office.
Remember that an urgent care facility is not a replacement for a primary care physician. You can find a local urgent care facility either in the yellow pages or by searching on the internet.
You do not need to call ahead or make an appointment at an urgent care facility. You will be triaged, with patients with the most severe or communicable symptoms being seen first. Be aware that you may have to wait for a short amount of time depending on your needs and illness.
Urgent care centers cost significantly less than ERs, if cost is a concern to you. [5] X Research source Take any insurance information with you. Some facilities may not accept insurance and will bill you after treatment. There may be a fee you must pay upfront, especially if you do not have insurance.
Only visit the ER if your condition is serious. An emergency room is not a replacement for a doctor and you shouldn’t take away time from patients who genuinely need immediate care if you can wait. [7] X Research source Visit the ER if you need to see a doctor during evening or early morning hours that your doctor or an urgent care facility is not open. [8] X Research source Make sure to always have any insurance information for your visit.
If you are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or trauma that involves loss of blood, your care will be considered a priority.
Adjectives can help the doctor understand how you feel. For example, if you have pain, explain it to your doctor by using terms such as dull, throbbing, intense, or piercing.
Doctors get training for different kinds of medical conditions and contingencies. Symptoms that could embarrass you are probably something your doctor sees regularly. Don’t be afraid to discuss things like STDs, rashes, or personal habits. Keep in mind that any information you give your doctor remains confidential by law.
Some common symptoms include:Pain, fatigue, Nausea, gastrointestinal distress, fever, respiratory issues, or headache. For example, you can tell your doctor “I’ve been experiencing headaches and persistent vomiting for the past couple of weeks. "
Remember to use specific and descriptive vocabulary as much as possible. If you’re having elbow pain, don’t say it’s on your arm, but point out to your doctor the exact spot on which you have the pain.
Tell the doctor when your symptoms began, if and when they stop and how often you experience them. For example, “I haven’t been able to keep any food down for the past two days. " Tell your doctor how the symptoms are affecting you and your lifestyle. Other things to mention include what helps relieve symptoms, what makes symptoms worse, any treatments you have attempted, any specific medication or substances you have taken to help alleviated the problem. Include how much over-the-counter medication has been used, and how your symptoms responded to treatment.
For example, if you have pain, describe movement that makes the pain worse. You can describe this by saying “My ankle feels fine until I bend it towards my leg, and then I experience a sharp and shooting pain. " Describe other situations or elements that make your symptoms worse. This includes food, drink, position, activity, or medication.
The severity scale should range from one having virtually no impact on you to ten being the most excruciating pain you can imagine.
