Mastering the Telephone Doctor\’s Appointment

If I hear the word \”new-normal\” one more time, I don\’t know what I am going to do. New-normal makes me think about what was, in the past, and then reminds me of what I\’m missing, which is the exact trap many of us get caught in when reminiscing and staying in our heads and truly missing the moments of this life. But as part of our transition to a combination of virtual and office-based visits, there may be a little information to 

Telephone encounters allow patients\’ to remain in their home, while keeping our waiting rooms from becoming overcrowded during the pandemic. 
In preparing for a telephone visit with your doctor or nurse practitioner, keep in mind a few tips which will help you both get the most out of your visit.
1. Book the appointment. I put this first, because many patients are still holding off on seeking healthcare due to the pandemic. I suspect we will be operating in a combined telephone/office visit manner for quite some time, so I encourage EVERYONE with a medical concern, to call and get an appointment scheduled so we can start working through any concerns and make a priority list. 
2.  I cannot see you, so get back to that Grade 7 lesson when you get really really excellent at describing your physical finding. For example:
    You have a funny colour-change to your fingernail. I need to know what fingernail, which side of the fingernail, closest to the tip of the nail or base, the colour, is it thickened, what have you tried.

Many offices have ways you can send us pictures to help out, especially for skin findings. 
📸❗Tips for great medical photos:
Try and keep the background neutral, like a blanket.
If it\’s a rash, place a toonie/quarter beside the spots so we can know how large it is.
Keep any identifiers out of the picture (cover your kids eyes with a cloth and make sure you look at the photo before sending)
Try for good lighting, like in the kitchen or using a flash.
Take a few photos at different angles and zooms so we can have a few options to view.
3. Get your list. Have a list on hand and let your practitioner know how many things you want to discuss so we can plan our time and book follow up as needed.
4. Make sure you have the time and place to take the call. If you are driving to Home Depot, it probably isn\’t the best time for you to plan to make a medical appointment. It works out well if you are in a quiet room without background noise, although kids and speaker phone are always welcome if you would like someone to attend your appointment with you! 
5. Keep notes. In the office, I give a list of instructions regarding follow up, but at home, keep pen and paper ready to write down your to-do list for lab work, investigations and any referrals that will come out of your appointment, as well as follow up instructions as needed.
Stay safe, stay masked, and stay positive.

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