How Seniors on Medicare Can Make the Most of Short Doctor’s Appointments

Have you ever been left in a doctor’s exam room once the doctor left wondering what just happened? Disappointed you barely asked any of the questions on the ‘list’ in your head you needed to ask?  

Face time with the doctor can pass by in a flurry – the doctor is in and out in as little as ten or fifteen minutes. It can feel transactional instead of relational, losing the personal touch so many of us crave when sharing intimate details about our health.

Why are these short medical interactions happening? It’s because most Medicare-covered visits are brief, and you might be surprised to know that the average visit is about 20 minutes, including everything from check-in to vital signs and actual time with the doctor. 

Knowing the visits are short is the first step to preparing so you aren’t flustered or feel like you are in a rush where you might forget symptoms, skip questions you wanted to ask, or leave the appointment without understanding what the next steps are to feel better. 

Good news is, we’ve got you covered. So, take a deep breath and follow this guide to help you plan effectively for your next doctor’s appointment. 

Yes, it’s true: you need a plan for your next doctor’s visit. If you’re taking the time to get to the office, fill out all the paperwork, and see the doctor, you want to make sure you get everything covered that you want to discuss! 

Make a Health Summary 

Bring a one-page summary (this could be on a notepad or even a note on your phone) that includes:

1. Current medications (name, dose, frequency) 
2. Allergies 
3. Chronic conditions 
4. Recent tests or procedures 
5. Any hospital visits since your last appointment
   
   

This helps your doctor quickly see your full picture without wasting time. 

Write Down your Top 2-3 Concerns 

Inevitably, a nurse or physician’s assistant is going to ask ,“Do you have any concerns you want to speak to the doctor about today?” Instead of drawing a blank, write down your biggest concerns ahead of time and bring them with you! Example concerns might be things like:

1. “Why am I feeling so tired lately?” 
2. “Is this new medication causing side effects like…?” 
3. “Do I still need this prescription?”
   
   

This way, you’ll have a list of exactly what you want to talk about with your doctor. So often we get to the car before realizing we forgot something we’ve been waiting to discuss! 

Bring a List of All Medications 

This includes over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal remedies. Some of these can interfere with prescriptions or cause side effects. Let your doctor know exactly what you’re taking each day or week. 

Take a Support Person 

Have a sibling, friend, or significant other? Bring someone you trust who is a family member or friend. Often another person can help remember details, ask questions, and speak up if something gets missed. 

Check your Medicare Coverage 

Know what your Medicare plan covers – especially for annual wellness visits, preventive screenings, or lab work. Avoid surprise bills by calling your plan or checking Medicare.gov.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your doctor works for you! Here are key ones to consider: 

• “What’s the main issue today, and what do I need to do about it? “ Maybe you’re seeing a doctor for a specific condition (diabetes, cancer, or something else). Make sure you understand the purpose of the appointment. 
• What are my options for treatment, and what are the pros and cons? Again, if a doctor recommends a treatment or medication, it’s good to understand why they’re recommending a particular one and know what risks there are, if any.  
• “Are there any side effects I should watch out for?” Have a plan for any side effects ahead of time. 
• “Will this medication interact with anything else I’m taking, or a specific food?” 
• “When should I follow up or call you?” 

Stick to your top 2-3 concerns you outlined above before the appointment. If time runs out or your doctor seems to need to go, ask if you can schedule another visit.

Review the Visit Summary

The end of the appointment is not the end! Most doctors now offer patient portals through Medicare-supported electronic health record systems. Log in and review what was said, any instructions, and test results. Often the portal offers a way to communicate with your doctor as well, so if you have questions about follow-up you can send it in their secure system. 

Fill Prescriptions Promptly

Start new medications as directed and call your pharmacy if there are delays. If cost is an issue, ask your doctor or pharmacist about generic options or Medicare drug savings programs.

Schedule Follow-Ups Right Away

If more testing, referrals, or visits are needed, book them early. Delays in follow-up can affect your health and Medicare coverage timelines.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a notebook or use a simple health app to log pain, side effects, sleep patterns, or anything new. Bring this to your next visit.

Medicare Annual Wellness Visit: Don’t Miss It

Every Medicare Part B enrollee is entitled to a free annual wellness visit. This isn’t a full physical, but it helps you build a personalized prevention plan. It includes:

• Health risk assessments
• Review of your medical history
• Cognitive impairment screening
• Advice on preventive services
  
  

Use this visit to check in on your overall health—not just immediate issues.

You are your own best advocate. The healthcare system may be complex, but with preparation and persistence, you can take control of your care—even in short appointments.

That’s why I’m here! I want to help you get the most out of your Medicare plan, including the short doctor’s visits. If you have questions about your plan or just how Medicare works in general, I would love to talk with you. Send me a note at [email protected].