Getting ready to visit your doctor
There are generally two ways someone injured at work will make first contact with their doctor.
The first is through the emergency room department.
This unfortunately happens if you are in need of immediate medical care after an accident.
The second is if you are experiencing an ongoing pain or problem.
No one is really prepared for the first one, there is an incident at work and you are rushed to the nearest hospital to ensure your ongoing survival not much time to think just to act.
The second way, noticing a problem be it physical or psychological and then gathering enough courage to visit your doctor. You may or may not know that the problem is work related. You may or may not know that is is life threatening in any scenario it is better to have some preparation before you go in.
The number one tip is of course to see your own doctor, even if your company has a doctor you can call on, unless that doctor is the same one you have been seeing for all your medical needs, go to the doctor (or doctor surgery) that you would normally go to. They have your file, they know your medical history. They are in the best position to diagnose you and treat you.
The Better health Channel from Vic Health have some great tips for preparing to see your doctor.
The first person you will speak to when making an appointment is the doctors receptionist. When you speak to the receptionist be sure to mention the following if you need it when you go in:
- Tell them if you would like an interpreter, The receptionist can arrange for a professional interpreter so that you and your doctor understand each other clearly
- Tell them if you specifically want to see either a male or female doctor. This might not always be available but if you feel it is necessary the receptionist is likely to be able to refer you to another doctor close by.
- Tell them if you think, know or suspect that the injury is work related. If you think this your visit will not be covered by medicare so be sure that there is enough money to pay for the visit (this will be reimbursed once you make the claim).
Things that you can do to prepare before you visit your doctor include:
- writing down in a notebook all your reasons for your visit, and any concerns or questions that you might have about your situation
- preparing a list of all your medications, your doses and how often you take them (or take your medications along with you)
- If you have any x-rays or the like about your injury (such as you may if you had been to the emergency department before your regular doctor) bring them along too.
- making sure that you have your Medicare card with you
- arranging to have someone (such as a friend or family member) with you at your appointment – you might want them to speak on your behalf or help you to remember important information, or to be there for comfort and support
- making sure that you have your glasses or hearing aids with you (if you use them)
- choosing clothes to wear for your visit that can be easily removed, if required.
- If you think, know or suspect your injury is work related write down your reasons why you think, know or suspect this.