You use your hands every day, so the sooner you can address issues that interfere with hand functionality, the better. Seeing an orthopedic physician who specializes in non-operative and surgical treatments for the hand is the first step. To help your doctor determine the best treatment for your hand condition, you can prepare ahead of time for your consultation. Here are ways to be ready for your upcoming visit.
1.) Gather a Complete and Accurate Medical History
Whenever you consult any medical specialist who is not familiar with your health history, take your medical records with you, as well as a list of your medications, including vitamins and supplements. Be up front about any conditions you may have such as diabetes or cardiovascular issues.
Mention upper extremity issues or mobility challenges that may run in your family. You may need to allow time to gather answers from relatives. Your doctor can best assess your hand condition to arrive at an accurate diagnosis when you can provide a full picture of your health background.
Even details you may not think are relevant to your hand symptoms may be needed details. If possible, ask the specialist if you can get a copy of the health history questionnaire a week or two before the appointment.
2.) Be Specific When Describing Your Symptoms
Sometimes patients can feel caught off guard during a consultation when they are trying to recall details to answer questions from the specialist. To help avoid leaving out important information, create your own notes describing the whole of your symptoms such as when they began, when they occur, how often and what you have tried to alleviate them on your own. Other relevant details may include date of an accidental injury and what treatments you may have received with other healthcare providers.
3.) Make a List of Questions to Ask Related to Your Condition
When patients are well informed, they have better chances for the best care outcomes. You make the most of this time with your specialist when you are prepared to gather information by having all your questions together. Patients seeing a hand doctor often ask:
- Will I need surgery?
- Will physical therapy help me regain my hand function?
- When can I start working or going to the gym again?
- What can I do to manage pain?
- What happens if I do nothing for my condition?
- How might my hand condition worsen?
Your hand doctor will welcome questions as this keeps you engaged in your own care plan.
4.) Consider Bringing a Family Member or Friend With You to Your Appointment
There’s an old saying: “Two heads are better than one.” If there is someone close to you who is good at advocating for you, they may make the visit even more productive. For example, your significant other can take notes for you and remind you of important details related to your hand condition.
5.) Get Written Instructions About Medications, Therapy and Surgery Preparation
During a consultation, you may receive a lot of information about various treatments such as prescriptions, therapies, diagnostic testing, and surgery options. Notes and handouts detailing these directions can help you keep track of what you are to do between visits. In many cases, your doctor can provide them in written form and also post them to your patient portal.
6.) Plan to Arrive On Time and Have Your Insurance Ready
if you have provided insurance information ahead of time, bring your photo ID and insurance card with you in case the office team asks for them. When each patient is prepared for check in, this helps avoid rushed visits with the specialist.
The Finest Upper Extremity Care in Maryland
Need an accurate diagnosis for your hand issues? Find it at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder where our hand doctors diagnose and treat a wide range of hand problems, including arthritis, traumatic injuries, sports-related conditions, vascular and nerve issues and so much more. They are highly qualified, experienced, and compassionate.
Call us today to book your consultation: (410) 296-6232, or request your visit by completing our online form. Locations are in Baltimore, Eldersburg, Lutherville, Bel Air, Clarksville, Pasadena and Westminster, MD. We know you’ll love the care we deliver.
