How many times have you waited a few months to get into see a specialist, get there, and after 10 minutes find yourself leaving the appointment, still a bit confused as annoyed as you feel that not everything was covered, or the questions were so random they didn’t make sense to you. And to top it off you just paid a mini fortune for it? What about when you have to start from scratch because the specialist says they haven’t got your reports or wait for it.. referral?? I have seen this many times. So frustrating and so unacceptable.
Well it doesn’t always have to be that way. Specialists are busy and have a specific job to do. They have trained for years to get where they are, and have accumulated expertise and experience that is there to serve you. And they work with a team of admin staff and or nurses – so you are dealing with a few people! The trick as a patient, is making the appointment experience work for you. To specifically serve your needs…. because after all it’s a service being offered, that you are paying for. I have been to see many a specialist and they generally all work the same way. So I speak from personal experience and also the experiences of so many of my patients in trying to change any negative experiences in an already vulnerable time. So here are the 3 must do’s for any patient waiting for their specialist appointment.
1. Documents and referral – it’s amazing how many things get “lost in the mail”. There are often a few hoops to jump through and admin staff on admin staff that communicate and sometimes systems can break down and human error can come into play. So ensure you start the consult well. YOU need to make sure the specialist rooms have received all the information on you PRIOR to your visit there. This includes the referral letter/s from your GP / allied health practitioner. Ensure they have all relevant tests that will help confirm or give them extra information on you, such as any blood tests, scan results, x-rays, MRI’s.
if any of these are missing – Call up the original suppliers if need be, and ask that they send such information to your destination specialist. Alternatively, or in addition send them a copy of the one you have PRIOR to your visit, in case they have time to read it and set the scene for your visit. Or ask the GP for a copy of what they send if the GP is willing to give you one.
2. Research your own condition. At the end of the day you are the master and guide of your own health, and its best to take some control into your own hands. It’s unwise to be passive and just assume the practitioner in front of you is amazing. (we all know what happens when we ass-u-me things J ) Of course we expect them to know their stuff, but imagine if you had some clues and can be more on the same page same page? You can then ask better questions and get great information – not just good information.
Every individual is unique in their behaviours and approaches, and a specialist is no different. They are human with a particular make up, and its pot luck regarding the elements of their service you will receive, as is the case with any service provider. So write a list of questions on how you think or can see this condition affecting your life. Some examples – How long til it goes? Why me? What else can I do to help? Options to recovery? Their opinion on return to x/y/z. And whatever else is bothering you.
3. Follow up – The “What next” question is one of THE biggest questions that you need to know the answer to. You don’t want to be bumped around the system or assume it’s all done and dusted and be left to your own devices. When it comes to back pain or hip pain, this can be the case, as there are so many people treating you – who’s the head honcho guide on top of everything? If you have homework to do, then stay accountable by making a follow up with the specialist so they can check you and see how you are going. Who else do you need to specifically see to help you with your condition? Will the specialist write a referral to this next person – a manual therapist for example? You want EVERYONE treating you on the same page. This is your body, and you only get one. So see your recovery or action plan to the end, what-ever that may look like.
Whether your referral is booked in within the week or within 4 months – follow the above tips to make that consult a really productive one. You have an expert in front of you, so this is your chance to ask all those relevant questions face to face and questions that have meaning to you and your life.
- Check that all the documents are ready and available for the Doctor at the specialist rooms
- Research your own condition and write down questions that are bothering you on how it effects your life
- Follow up and action plan – avoid being left in the lurch. Know what the next steps for you are. Time is always critical.
Download the Specialist appointment PDF template, fill it out, and take it with you so you are prepared as you can be for this important consult – one that you are often waiting a while for!
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