Five Questions You Should Ask Your Doctor Sooner Rather Than Later

Live
Sep 7, 2016
Dealing with your health is much easier to do when you’re healthy. By watching for any changes in your body and preemptively seeking health advice, you can strive to maintain overall wellness and live longer. So don’t wait—schedule a check up with your doctor and be sure to remember these five questions you should ask your doctor sooner than later.

  1. What do you do to stay healthy?

While this question won’t always be directly applicable to your situation, asking a doctor about how they manage their own health can give you some ideas for things to try in your own life. According to Jack Der-Sarkissian, assistant chief of family medicine at Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center, “A patient should be able to ask their physician about how he or she practices wellness, and a physician should be honest and open to [that] discussion.”

  1. What do you think of the latest health trends?

People are quick to follow the latest weight loss or health trend, but often forget to consult their doctor about the viability of these trends. The truth is, not every trend is right for your situation and asking your doctor what they think before you commit to a diet or fitness plan is highly recommended.

  1. What is the best way for me stay healthy?

On top of seeking advice about the latest health trends, you should always ask your doctor for the most important things to focus on to improve your own wellbeing. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor about the best ways to lose weight, if that’s something you’re currently working on.\

  1. When should I visit again?

While visits to your doctor should come regularly, consult your physician on just how often is appropriate. Depending on your situation, this could mean meeting every month or just a few times a year. Either way, by inquiring when you should visit again, you can feel safe knowing that you’re always working toward a healthier life.

  1. What should I work on before my next visit?

On top of everything we’ve already discussed, it’s very likely that your doctor has some specific goals in mind for you to focus on before your next visit. Be as proactive as possible, so you can avoid reacting to a health problem that has gone unaddressed. Make it a goal to keep the conversation with your doctor going to live a healthier life.

Annual visits to the doctor are essential, which means health care is a must. If you currently don’t have health insurance, Nevada Health Link is here to help. As part of a Qualifying Life Event (QLE), you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). In other words, certain life events or situations, such as job loss, income change, marriage/divorce or birth/adoption of a child, may allow you to enroll in an insurance plan through Nevada Health Link outside of the annual open enrollment period.

All of our health plans exist to reduce the costs of health insurance and make sure you are covered. We’re always to help, so don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.