How to Best Schedule Doctor's Appointments

You wake up one morning and it feels like your throat might swell shut; you have been sneezing all night and you have a hard time even getting out of bed. You need to see a doctor soon. By speaking to the right people and giving good descriptions of your symptoms, you can get in to see the doctor much faster than you would otherwise.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Health insurance card
• Driver's license
• Cash, credit card or personal check

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Make a list of your symptoms. Include any problem you have and use as much detail as possible.

• 2

  Call your doctor's office. Tell the receptionist you need to schedule an appointment and explain your symptoms. Describing your symptoms accurately will help the receptionist understand the seriousness of your call. The receptionist will provide you with a list of available appointments.

• 3

  Ask to speak to your doctor's nurse or medical assistant if the receptionist cannot get you in right away and you have a serious health problem.

• 4

  Leave the nurse or medical assistant a detailed voicemail explaining all of your symptoms. Do not forget to describe any pain, discomfort or disorientation you have felt.

• 5

  Call the doctor's office again and ask to speak to a manager if the nurse or medical assistant does not return your phone call within a few hours.

• 6

  Explain to the manager that you have been unable to make an appointment. Give the manager a list of your symptoms and request a time when you can make it to the doctor's office. The manager will work with you to schedule an appointment.

• 7

  Prepare everything you need for your appointment. Gather a copy of your health insurance card, your driver's license and a credit card, cash or personal check for your co-pay. Make a list of any medications you take.

• 8

  Arrive at your doctor's appoint a few minutes early. This will give you time to complete any needed paperwork.