8 Things You Should Never Do When You Visit the Doctor, According to Nurses

Self-Diagnose

Though self-diagnosing can show that patients want to take an active role in their health, problems arise when it’s done without clinical training, often leading to misinterpretation of information.

“When patients present with a diagnosis rather than symptoms, it can lead providers down a narrow diagnostic path, potentially overlooking the true root cause of their healthcare concerns,” says Dr. Danielle K. Miller, DNP, MSN, BSN, RN, Founder of The Pivot Nurse, Inc. This can delay an accurate diagnosis if the provider follows a patient’s assumption instead of the clinical presentation and evidence-based guidelines. It can also create cognitive bias for both patient and provider, potentially resulting in overtesting, unnecessary treatments, or wasted time.

Instead, Dr. Miller recommends focusing on describing your symptoms, including when they started, how they’ve changed, and any patterns you’ve noticed, to give your provider the best chance of identifying what’s really going on.

Arrive Unprepared

If you’re a new patient, your provider likely has less than 20 minutes to review your history, address your concerns, and create a treatment plan. “If you do not have a list of medicines, allergies, medical diagnoses past and present, prior procedures, and surgeries, it will make it more difficult for the clinician to narrow down what tests and treatments need to be done,” says Terry Bartmus, DNP, nurse practitioner and assistant professor. She adds that it also cuts into the time available to develop an appropriate plan.

To make the most of your appointment, Bartmus recommends keeping a document, either printed or on your phone, that includes your medications, allergies, medical diagnoses, past procedures and surgeries with dates, and any relevant family history. “If you have specific concerns for your visit, make sure to write those down. Remember, you may only have time to discuss one to two concerns, so prioritize.”

Downplay Symptoms

When patients downplay their symptoms by minimizing how often they occur, how intense they feel, or how much they interfere with daily life, it can lead providers to underestimate the seriousness of the issue. This may result in skipped tests, delayed treatment, or missed early signs of conditions like heart problems, infections, or neurological issues.

“Patients often minimize symptoms out of fear, shame, or a desire not to make a fuss or be a bother,” says Dr. Miller. But these downplayed symptoms often emerge later through lab results, imaging, or deeper questioning. “This then requires the provider to go back and reassess the situation, which disrupts the natural progression of the clinical evaluation and treatment planning process.” Being upfront from the start helps your provider make the most accurate and efficient care decisions for you.

Wait Until the End to Bring Up the Real Concern

Known as the doorknob phenomenon, blurting out your biggest health concern just as the doctor is about to leave can make it difficult for your provider to conduct a full evaluation, as there may not be enough time for a detailed discussion or planning.

“It’s a human response to delay or be hesitant when it comes to personal vulnerability,” says Dr. Miller. “Unfortunately, it often works against their best interests in the clinical setting because it can result in delayed care and treatment and even adverse healthcare outcomes.” She adds that patient-centered care depends on timely communication.

Aim to share your top concern within the first few minutes of the visit. “Prepare a prioritized list of symptoms or concerns before the appointment,” Dr. Miller advises. And above all, be honest. “Trust your instincts and bring it up clearly. You are your best advocate and know your body and how it feels better than anyone.”

Be Rude to Staff

Medical visits can be stressful, especially if you’re not feeling well or are anxious about a diagnosis. But taking that stress out on staff can disrupt communication, cause delays, and even affect the quality of care you receive. “Staff may feel flustered, hesitant, or even avoidant, which can delay check-in, vitals, chart updates, or communication with the doctor,” says Selby. “If someone has been difficult in the past, the team may enter future visits on high alert, maintaining more emotional distance.”

Instead, lead with kindness. “Staff are more likely to go the extra mile when treated with respect. Even if you’re frustrated, keep your tone polite,” Selby adds.

Let Someone Else Speak for You

Bringing a family member to a doctor’s appointment can be helpful, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed, navigating a language barrier, or managing cognitive challenges like memory loss or speech difficulties. But whenever possible, it’s best to speak for yourself.

“When your physician isn’t hearing directly from you, there’s a higher risk of miscommunication or incomplete information,” says Karen Selby, RN, Patient Advocacy Director at The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com. “Family members usually mean well, but when they describe your symptoms or history for you, important details can get lost or misrepresented.” This includes how something feels, when it started, and what makes it better or worse, all of which are essential to accurate care. But loved ones can still be valuable during the visit by taking notes, helping you recall details, or asking follow-up questions.

Discuss Concerns With Healthcare Pros Other Than Your Provider

It’s easy to mix up roles in a medical office and assume a medical assistant or lab technician is your provider. But sharing important information with the wrong person can mean those details never reach your doctor. “Going directly to the source is essential for receiving the correct diagnosis and a treatment plan that best fits your needs,” says Selby.

If you’re unsure who you’re speaking with, just ask. “Say, ‘Are you the person I should discuss this with, or will the doctor go over it with me?’ This avoids confusion and helps you direct your questions to the right person,” Selby suggests.

Leave the Appointment Without Clearly Understanding Your Next Steps

Not fully understanding your treatment plan can unintentionally disrupt your care. “For example, if your clinician ordered an X-ray and you did not know you had to schedule it yourself, you would cause a delay in your diagnosis,” explains Bartmus. “Make sure to ask questions, and it is OK to ask the clinician to provide written instructions for the treatment plan.”

A simple but effective step is to repeat the plan back to your provider, which confirms you’re on the same page and reassures your clinician that you understand what’s next.