Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2021

DOCTORS VISIT ETIQUETTE story by Lynn Lofton
Physicians and patients agree that there's a certain etiquette about office visits that both can reasonably expect. Two Coast doctors shared their thoughts on this subject.
Magdy Mikhail, M.D. with Merit Health, lists the five things he feels are most important for patients to do. “I won’t call it etiquette but helpful tips,” he said.
1. Turnoffyourphone.
2. Bring the medications you are taking or a list of them. 3. Know as much as possible of the dates and names of medical services and vaccinations received elsewhere.
4. No eating and drinking in the waiting room.
5. Honesty regarding compliance with medications and
previous recommendations.
Turning off cell phones is also on the list of Rainna Bahadur, M.D. with Eye Associates of the South, along with wearing a mask if required and letting the office know if you’re running late.
1. Be kind. The staff works hard each day; they have stressful jobs. Many times patients can be rude to staff but not to the doctor. Remem- ber we usually hear about it.
2. Be patient. No one enjoys doing paperwork or filling out question- naires required by the government and/or insurance company, or wait- ing for their appointed time, but emergencies occur and some patients need extra attention that was not planned on.
3. Be prepared. Bring your drivers license, insurance cards, medicines, glasses/contact lens boxes (for eye doctor), and records from other doc- tors’ offices if you are getting another opinion.
4. Be attentive. You are a huge part of getting good health care. Listen to your doctor, take notes or bring a caregiver or translator if needed.
Both doctors advise that patients should never be embarrassed to discuss any symptoms they're having. “Patients need to remember that as doctors we are not here to judge but to help,” Bahadur said. “We can’t fully help if we don't know all the details. We spend many years in training and have seen and heard many things. Something that may embarrass you may be no big deal to us.”
Dr. Mikhail said, “Patients can expect medical providers and staff to be friendly, patient – no pun intended – service with a smile, and most important to not rush patients or seem hurried, plus being on time as much as possible.”
Dr. Bahadur says there should be a commitment by both parties to achieve a good outcome or the best outcome possible under the circumstances. Also, patients should expect a professional, clean office setting and to be treated with empathy, kindness and respect by the doctor and staff.
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