Fortunately,the subreddit r/medicine has tipsfor navigating this whole situation.
(So, take the 8 a.m. or the 1 p.m. if you have the option.)
The same goes for any information you’ve got the option to write down.
Its full of things that arent true.
Its missing things that are important.
Because of that, relying on the chart for any past history is a bad idea.
Theres a reason you get asked the same questions over and over, unfortunately.
Trying to list the pills you take off the top of your head is how things get messed up.
A hard copy of the order will make your life easier.
If there are several, dont rely on memory.
Ask your pharmacist to print out a list of everything youre taking, complete with dosage and instructions.
Take photos of those hard copies you think you might lose.
Take photos of your medication labels.
Take photos of your insurance cards.
And if you have access to imaging that you got elsewhere, save that on your phone too.
I know that the insurance co told you not to carry it.
I wish they would stop.
I still need to load the Medicare MBI into the system even for replacement plans.
Its not like the old days where your Medicare number was your SSN with a letter at the end.
Its safe to keep in your wallet now.
Its a random set of letters and numbers that have nothing to do with your SSN.
c’mon for the sake of my sanity carry it.
GoodRXis one place you’re free to check for coupons.
Also look up the manufacturers website to find coupons and other assistance.
Some companies will pay a portion of your costs even if you dont have insurance.
Think ahead, and start keeping a list of questionsbeforeyou go to the doctor.
If its important, follow up.
But that doesnt mean you oughta constantly refresh MyChart until the results roll in.
As one doctor notes:
We deal with most medically urgent things urgently.
Most minor lab or imaging abnormalities can wait a bit before we talk about them.
