Coming in prepared for a doctor’s visit helps you make the most out of your time with the physician. To prepare means to think about what information you want to provide the doctor that will be useful during the evaluation. Taking an active role in your healthcare ensures that you get the best care possible from your sports medicine doctor.
Patients that work closely with their doctors usually have better health outcomes. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of your trip to a sports medicine doctor.
Prepare Your Medical History
Your sports medicine doctor will want to know your medical history, which includes health conditions, treatments, and surgeries you’ve had in the past. Write down your health history to make sure you don’t leave out anything. Usually, there are patient forms that you fill out prior to your visit, which makes this process easier.
Furthermore, if you received emergency or urgent care for an acute injury, take the results of X-rays and other tests with you to the clinic, as well as your prescriptions. You can either take all the medications you are currently taking with you to the clinic or record the medication names and dosages on paper. This includes over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
Be Open With The Doctor
Communication between patient and doctor is very important. Before the visit, write down the questions you have in your head, as well as details about your problem. On the day of the appointment, go over your notes. You should be able to detail your main symptoms, how long you’ve had them, what could have caused it, as well as the diagnosis and treatment you received. Also, let the doctor know what eases your symptoms and what makes them worse. If you are seeing the sports medicine doctor for a chronic issue, be prepared to talk about your lifestyle, including sports, exercise, and habits.
Dress For Comfort and Ease
For the sports medicine doctor to be able to physically examine the area of concern, you should make it easily accessible. Think about this when you dress for your visit. For instance, if your problem is in your knee, wear a skirt, shorts, or pants that are flowy and can easily be lifted to reveal your knee. If your problem is in your back, wear a sports bra under a loose-fitting shirt. Choose button-down or pull-on type of clothing on your appointment day. Dress for comfort and ease.
Sports Medicine Doctor in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our sports medicine doctors are committed to providing you with the best in orthopedic care. We routinely treat and rehabilitate patients with all types of sports injuries and help them return stronger than before.
To schedule an appointment with a sports medicine doctor, call us at (210) 692-7400 or use our appointment request form. We look forward to helping you return to normal faster!
