The first Doctor’s Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Ga. The observance included mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. In 1990, the House and Senate established a national Doctors Day followed by President George Bush signing a bill which became law designating March 30, 1991 as National Doctors Day.

Doctor’s Day is held every year on March 30 in the United States. It is a day to celebrate the contribution of physicians who serve our country by caring for its’ citizens. The red carnation is commonly used as the symbolic flower for National Doctor’s Day.

The Newberry hospital celebrates their physicians at the annual Doctor’s Day Soiree at a reception hosted at one of our community leader’s homes. The Doctor of the Year presentation is made as part of the celebration. The employees select the Doctor of the Year based on who they feel is the best physician on staff.

Maximizing your doctor visit

This week Maggie Wills, educator, Hospice Care of Tri-County, is our guest with information how to get the most out of your doctor visit. A group of physicians shared tips to maximize your doctor’s visit. National Doctor’s Day is an applicable time to publish the recommendations.

First, identify what types of doctor you want? To identify a doctor get a reference from other doctors, friends, or family members. Also, American Medical Association is a national organization that allows search listings by name or specialty. Medicare operates an online directory of doctors on its Web site. Search by location and the doctor’s specialty.

Call a list of doctors and ask about:

n Doctor’s education and training

n How long is the wait for an appointment

n Will office process medical claim for you

n Doctor’s experience with chronic health conditions you might have

n Who will see you or answer questions when doctor is unavailable

n Does doctor work with other health care professionals

Important date: Set up an appointment. Write the time, place and ask directions to the location. Transfer medical records.

Before the appointment gather what you need: Bottles and list of medications, name of medication and dose, why and how often you take it, doctor who prescribed medications, medication effects (good or bad). Ask questions you may have about the med. List herbs, vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications you take.

If you are following up from a visit to the emergency department or were seen at another clinic or hospital, bring all paperwork from the visit so Medical Assistant can look up the results.

Bring insurance cards, glasses/hearing aids, checkbook. DON’T FORGET: to list the symptoms of the illness, when symptoms started. Examples of how illness is impacting your life. Ask Questions.

At the Doctor’s office: Arrive early so you can complete any required forms or tests before meeting with your doctor. Distract your mind to help lower anxiety. Communicate effectively, take notes, stay focused on the point, medical history, mental health concerns, do not hold back issues or information that you may consider embarrassing.

Talking to doctor about symptoms: Be specific and don’t hold back information about such issues as bladder and bowel problems, memory loss, or other issues you might consider embarrassing. Describe symptoms—location, first and now experienced, description.. Ask doctor to define medical terms, reason for doctor’s recommendations, instructions for taking medicine and other treatments, the risks and benefits. Take handouts or brochures that you and family can review at home, write down instructions, your next appointment.

After leaving the doctor’s office Review doctor’s orders, pick up medications, write down medications on card for future use.

Follow your doctor’s orders

Questions to Ask for Preparing for Future Surgery:

Why is this procedure being recommended? Are there alternatives?

What is the procedure called and how is it done?

What are the benefits and what risks are involved?

What is the success rate of this procedure and will surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?

If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?

Are medical tests or medical evaluations needed prior to surgery?

Who will perform the operation, and is doctor board-certified?

What kind of anesthesia will be used and will I have pain following surgery?

What is the length of recovery? Will I need assistance afterwards?

Will there be any disability following surgery? Will I need physical therapy?

When can I return to work and drive my car?