BNY Mellon Benefits Guide
Know What to Ask Your Doctor
Did you know that doctor visits only last 13 to 16 minutes on average? Make the most of your time together by taking an active role in the conversation.
(Source: Physician Compensation Report 2016, Medscape)
- Tell your doctor your medical history. If you have allergies or have experienced a reaction to a specific drug in the past, be sure to share that with your doctor. If the doctor is your primary care physician, he or she may already have this information from prior visits. If you don't have a primary care physician, consider selecting a trusted general practitioner so you'll be treated by someone familiar with your medical history each time you seek care.
- Make sure you understand the reason for any medical tests and treatment options that the doctor prescribes. Ask your doctor to review any test results or explain medical terms with which you are unfamiliar. There's no such thing as a dumb question when it comes to your health.
- Ask your doctor about his or her experience or about seeing another doctor for a second opinion. You are the customer, so there's nothing wrong with making sure you are comfortable. Remember, through BNY Mellon you have access to Best Doctors, an independent, third-party health firm, for an additional opinion and support.
- Ask about any prescriptions being ordered. Find out if they're necessary and why. Review the CVS Value Formulary or ask your doctor if a generic drug or over-the-counter equivalent is available. If appropriate for your situation and your doctor prescribes a generic drug or over-the-counter medication, they may work just as well and cost you less. Finally, be sure to ask about dosage and any potential drug/food interactions.