
by Sara Whittingham MD (with some input from my husband, John Langell MD,PhD,MPH,MBA)
Having been on both sides of the patient-physician interaction, I understand the challenges involved. Many doctors will see 20-25 patients a day, leaving very little time for direct patient interactions. The average primary care physicians will only spend about 15 minutes interacting with a patient including reviewing changes in your medical history, condition specific physician-directed questions, a physical examination, discussing a treatment plan and patient questions.
Given the limited time available, effective communication with my doctors has been pivotal in managing my Parkinson’s disease and maintaining my well-being four years post-diagnosis. As a physician myself, I have an advantage in knowing how to manage interactions with my physician and I generally need less assistance with understating the complexities of the disease and associated treatments.
Given the challenges that physicians experience serving on the patient role, I thought it would be beneficial to share an approach that all patients may use to make the most of your time with your doctor.

How to make the most of your appointment:
1. Schedule Early in the Day
It’s worth considering the timing of your appointment. Research shows that patient satisfaction is generally higher when appointments are scheduled earlier in the day. Two studies I reviewed found that patient satisfaction scores in both dermatology and primary care clinics were highest in the morning and declined as the day progressed (Shah Modi et al., 2020; Philpot et al., 2019). This trend likely reflects the doctor’s energy levels and emotional stamina. Additionally, as the day progresses physicians can fall behind on their schedules forcing them to hurry through later appointments to get back on schedule. By scheduling your appointment early, you might benefit from a more focused and less fatigued physician, which could lead to a more effective consultation.
2. Prepare Thoroughly in Advance
Effective preparation is key to making the most of your appointment. Start organizing a week before:
- Create a Discussion List: Write down the topics you want to cover during your appointment. This list should be easily accessible so you can refer to it during the visit and ensure you address all your concerns. Figure out your top 3 things and put those at the top.
- Make a copy of the list and let your Doctor have a copy at the beginning of the appointment: A fellow person with Parkinson’s suggested this. I like this idea, because with the limited time this will help the doctor figure out how to best use the appointment time to help you the most. There may be some things further down the list that there might not be time for. Your doctor may not address them in order, because he or she may have a slightly different perspective of what the most important items are. A common example is high blood pressure. If you get to clinic and your blood pressure is 196/100, this is probably not anywhere on your list, but it will most certainly be a major item addressed, and likely before anything on your list.
- Medication Details: Keep an updated record of all medications you are taking, including dosages and the times of day you take them. Include any vitamins or supplements. Having this information readily available will help your doctor understand your current regimen and make informed recommendations.
- Personal Goals: Reflect on your goals related to managing Parkinson’s. For instance, if you’ve set goals like participating in a 5k run or overcoming specific symptoms such as rigidity or motivation issues, note these down. Discussing these goals with your doctor can help tailor your treatment plan and explore additional support options, such as physical therapy.
- Define Objectives: Before the appointment, clarify what you hope to achieve. Are you experiencing side effects from your medications? Are your medications working as expected? Have any new symptoms emerged? Understanding your objectives will help you ask pertinent questions and use the limited time effectively.
- Mental Health Considerations: If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, or managing daily life, consider asking your doctor for referrals to a counselor, psychologist, or social worker. These professionals can offer targeted support and might also help your doctor consider additional treatment options.
- Bring a Support Person: If you find it challenging to keep track of everything, bring a care partner, friend, or spouse. They can assist with noting down important points, helping you remember what was discussed, and provide valuable insights into your condition and treatment.
- Clinical Research: Ask about new potential therapies that may benefit you. Also consider asking about local clinical research trials in which you may be eligible to participate. I asked my doctor this question and enrolled in an exercise therapy trail at the Cleveland Clinic that transformed by disease outlook and dramatically improved by symptoms. I cannot imagine where I would be today if I had not been part of this study that encouraged me to exercise.

3. During the Appointment
- Focus on the Questions: Answer the questions posed by your doctor directly and avoid going off on unrelated tangents. Each question is designed to gather specific information that will assist in your care. If your doctor needs additional details about your life outside of the medical context, they will ask for it specifically.
- Document the Discussion: It can be helpful to take a notepad and jot notes during the appointment. After the appointment, take time to review what was discussed, including any changes to your medications and the steps you need to follow before your next visit. Reviewing this information periodically will help you stay on track. If you have questions or need clarification on anything discussed, don’t wait for your next appointment. Use secure messaging systems or call the office to address these concerns promptly.
- Physician-Patient Partnership: Be an active partner with your physician. You are more likely to receive the outcomes you want if you develop a partnership focused on the outcomes you desire rather than having your doctor decide that for you. Do not be the passive recipient of care, you are in this together. If your doctor is rushed, respectfully ask that he/she slows down and provides you the information you need. And be as respectful of your doctor’s time as you expect him/her to be of yours. Just as you need to ensure you receive the dedicated time of your physician, so does the next patient. Being prepared with for the appointment will help you achieve all of these objectives.
- Close the Communication loop: It can be very helpful to ask at the end of the appointment if you can summarize the plan going forward. This is a great way to ensure that you both have the same understanding of the plan. For example, you could say something like, “I just want to make sure I have this all straight. We are going to reduce the dose of Medication A, add Medication B, I need to get labs drawn and I will call physical therapy to schedule the appointments you suggested, I will continue to exercise and I’ll see you in 6 months and tell you about the 5k I finished.”
4. Show Gratitude and Respect
Expressing appreciation and respect to your healthcare team can significantly enhance your experience. During my short time working in primary care in the Air Force. I found those patients who showed gratitude and respect were more likely to receive comprehensive and attentive care. This principle holds true across all medical settings. A little kindness can make a big difference. If you have feedback about your experience, provide it to the clinic manager or front desk after your appointment rather than during it. This ensures that valuable appointment time is dedicated to discussing your health rather than logistical concerns.
5. Maintain a Positive Attitude
Approach your appointment with the mindset that you’re meeting with an expert who is there to help you manage your condition. A positive attitude can contribute to a more productive session and may make it easier to overcome obstacles. If maintaining a positive outlook is challenging, share this with your doctor. They may offer additional support or referrals to help address your mental and emotional well-being.
By preparing thoroughly and engaging constructively during your appointments, you can optimize your healthcare experience and work effectively with your doctors to manage your condition.
For more helpful tips and tools please check out the rest of my website.