a doctor's office primer.

my days are filled with visits to doctors' offices with my dad: physiatrist, orthopedist, neuropsychiatrist, cardiologist, dermatologist, pulmonologist, neurologist, dentist, neuro-optometrist, primary care physician (or, if you're like me, a total pro, "pcp"). i'm in these offices so much that apparently i'm beginning to fit in. the ortho asked me today if i was in the medical field. perhaps i should be. but until then, some pointers:

• don't bring food and drink. first, there are a lot of germs and gross people in doctors' offices. you don't want to ingest that stuff.
• order all of your records and bring them with you during your visit. this is especially important if you've been in a catastrophic accident. this means x-rays and labs, too. the nurse or doctor will inevitably ask you some obscure question. it is helpful to have this information because they will most likely forget to ask themselves.
• that myth about doctors' ego? true. just work it to your advantage ("yes, doctor. uh-huh? you don't say?")
• ask questions. you know you've read that in glamour or heard it before, but this is important. want to know why she's recommending that test? ask. and if you don't want it, don't take it.
• do research. i figured out that my dad's bloodwork may have been off because of an interaction between two drugs. and not while sitting in some research library - while i was waiting in line at the drugstore reading their branded drug information book that was on sale for about $4.
• keep everything. even though it's tempting to toss that drug information sheet that's given with your prescription, save it. i just needed one for a claim.
• take notes. you'll forget what the hell she just talked about.
• make friends with the office staff. they'll be your saving grace.
• be a hound. i am on the phone with dad's pcp office about once a day. they forget things, but you know that old saying about the squeaky wheel? it applies in the medical world more than anywhere i think.
• bring a sweater - or maybe a comforter. my dad's dentist's office is reminiscent of an artic oasis or perhaps a meat locker. whichever may be cooler on any given day.
• be gracious. a note of sincere appreciation goes a long way.