As soon after the appointment as possible, take some time to sit down, review the appointment, and make some notes:
- What was your impression of the doctor?
- Did he/she listen well?
- ... answer your questions?
- ... seem to be receptive to a team approach with you as an integral member of that team, involved in decision making?
- ... take enough time with you or seem to be rushing through the appointment?
- ... work with you to come up with a treatment plan acceptable to both of you?
- ... set a follow-up visit?
- What are you supposed to do if you find yourself in extreme pain, your treatment not working, on weekends and other times when the doctor's office is closed?
- Did you feel the doctor was sympathetic?
- ... well informed?
- Was the doctor's staff professional in their attitudes?
- ... supportive?
- ... helpful?
A day or so later, go back and review your notes. Add or edit if your perspective is different after a bit of time to digest it all. If someone went to the appointment with you, now is a good time to sit down and go over your notes with them to see if they agree or disagree and if they have anything to add.
Sometimes, the first visit to a new doctor or the first time you discuss your head pain with your current doctor is enough to tell you if he or she is the right doctor for you. Sometimes, you need to see them again to know.
* Note: If you child is having head pain, depending on age, you may need to do this for the child or at least supervise your child doing it.
