How to make the most of your appointment

OK, let's face it: Just to find a new doctor, or make a new appointment, or make a followup appointment, or remember and keep your appointment already seems like a huge accomplishment!

But, the truth is that it's all for naught if you don't accomplish the reason for your appointment!

I want your time at the Dallas Diabetes and Endocrine Center to be helpful, productive and meaningful.

Here are a few tips that can help make that dream come true!

1. Make a goal and let me know what it is.

• Are you needing a new diagnosis or do you have a known diagnosis requiring further care?
• Do you have new symptoms that we need to discuss?
• Do you have questions about your care that I need to answer?

The more clearly you know your goal, the more likely we are to reach it!

2. If you are a new patient, do your groundwork.

• Make sure your old records reach our office before you do.
• Save time -- print your new patient forms from this website and fill them out before you come.

New patients typically require extra time for education and discussion. If you come prepared, our time and attention can be completely focused on you, rather than on trying to complete the background information that is important for your care.

3. Help me help you.

• If you have diabetes, bring everything with you--your pump, meter, log and anything else that is part of your at-home care.
• If someone else is important to your daily care, please feel free to bring them with you to your appointment. Having an extra set of listening ears can be very helpful for learning and processing new information.
• If you had recent labs or imaging, bring the results with you.

Especially for patients with diabetes, coming to your appointment without your meter/log is like going to the mall without your wallet!

4. Know your insurance.

• Know your insurance plan and your benefits.
• If you need a referral, make sure your primary doctor sends it to us before your appointment day.

Knowing your insurance avoids unpleasant surprises about coverage and plan payments. Unfortunately, insurance plans can be confusing--feel free to call us and let us help you better understand your particular plan.

5. Tell the truth.

• If you aren't taking a medication, or aren't taking it as we had agreed--tell me.
• If you aren't able to manage your medical care at home the way we had planned--tell me.

It is fundamental that our relationship be one of mutual trust and confidence. 
Both of us need to be completely honest and forthcoming about your health and care.