Urgent care near me Key points
- Clearly explain to your doctor why you're seeking medical help.
- Describe your symptoms in your own words, including any metaphors that come to mind.
- Be specific about the frequency, severity, and history of your symptoms.
- Don't be embarrassed to share all relevant information, and write everything down prior to your visit.
- The final two tips are not to be embarrassed about any aspect of your symptoms or condition, and to write down all your symptoms and concerns before your appointment to ensure you don't forget anything important.
1. Quickly Explain Why You Need the Urgent Care
Before you go into story mode or details, quickly clarify to your doctor why you’re here. A couple of sentences will be enough to help your doctor listen more proactively, instead of guessing what you’re trying to get to.
2. Use Your Own Terms
Don’t worry about using proper medical terms . Doctors often gain extra insight into your situation by hearing how you experience it in your own language and phrasing.
If a metaphor comes up, share it. For example, if you feel your cough is like a knife that’s cutting your throat, tell the doctor. If you feel like your head is submerged in a giant tub of Aloe Vera, let them know. If no colorful metaphor comes to mind, don’t worry about it. Just explain what’s going on the best way you can.
3. Be Specific About Frequency, Severity and History
Pain in your foot might sound specific, but pain in different parts of your foot can mean different things. When you walk into an urgent care clinic, doctors need you to be as specific as you can.
They need to know when the pain started, what happened around that time, how consistent it’s been since, whether it’s associated in your opinion with something else (for example, does it hurt when you jump, but not when you walk?), and how bad it is.
Try using a scale of 1-10 to describe severity, when 1 is “I hardly feel it” and 10 is “the worst pain I’ve ever felt”. If you can, log your pain levels throughout the day or week, and write down what was different about the times the feeling got significantly better or worse.
Doctors also need to know relevant medical history, what meds you’re taking, or if neighbors or co-workers are suffering from similar symptoms.
4. Don’t Be Embarrassed
Most doctors have heard it all, so there’s a good chance that what you’re embarrassed to share doesn’t even come close to the worst thing they ever heard.
Even if it is, you’re protected by doctor-patient confidentiality. This is your safe place. Share what’s going on, so you can get the most accurate treatment, and get healthy as soon as possible.
5. Write it Down
We want all patients to enter their appointments feeling empowered. Empowered to ask questions, empowered to find the best care. Whenever possible, before you walk into an urgent care clinic, read through this post and write bullet points for yourself. Think about the specificity and severity of the situation, relevant medical history and that thing you’re embarrassed to share. If you have pictures or anecdotes to add, do so!
Having everything written down will help you feel empowered, confident, prepared, and make the most of those moments with the doctor. Lastly, if saying the words out loud feels like too much, let your doctor read what you wrote.
Either way, providing your doctor with accurate information will shorten your journey back to health. Have recurring or relentless symptoms that you’ve put on the back burner? Take note and make an appointment to get it settled once and for all.
FAQs
Why is it important to clearly explain why I'm seeking medical help?
It helps your doctor understand your situation and listen more proactively, which can lead to more effective treatment.
Can I use my own words to describe my symptoms?
Yes, doctors often gain extra insight into your situation by hearing how you experience it in your own language and phrasing.
How specific should I be about the frequency, severity, and history of my symptoms?
You should be as specific as possible. Include when the pain started, what happened around that time, how consistent it’s been since, whether it’s associated with something else, and how bad it is.
Should I be embarrassed to share certain details about my symptoms?
No, you should never be embarrassed to share anything with your doctor. They've likely heard it all before, and your information is protected by doctor-patient confidentiality.
Should I write down my symptoms before my appointment?
Yes, writing down your symptoms can help you feel more confident and prepared during your appointment.
What should I do if I'm too uncomfortable to verbally communicate my symptoms?
If saying the words out loud feels like too much, you can let your doctor read what you wrote. This allows you to communicate your symptoms without the discomfort of verbalizing them.
Is it beneficial to share if others around me are experiencing similar symptoms?
Yes, it can be helpful to share if neighbors or co-workers are suffering from similar symptoms. This information could provide additional insight into your condition.
What should I do if I have recurring or relentless symptoms?
If you have recurring or relentless symptoms, it's important to take note and make an appointment with a doctor to address them. Ignoring these symptoms could potentially lead to more serious health issues.
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Medically reviewed
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History
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
January 28 2016
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
Solv’s team of medical writers and experts review and update our articles when new information becomes available.
January 28 2016
Written by Solv Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Rob Rohatsch, MD
