Top Ten Transport Tips for Physician Visits

One of the most frequent tasks that friends and neighbors tend to share, are taking Mom & Dad to doctor visits.  Unless you do these things every day, often times we end up with a few surprises along the way. 

We asked our Transportation expert, Dano Smith of Mohawk Mobility in Arizona on the things to do to make a senior’s visit to a doctor most easy.  Here are his tips:

1. Identify what type of transportation is required, are they able to ambulate on their own or do they require a walker or rollator? A wheelchair or transport chair? Be sure that if you have to pick up the wheelchair and stow it in the car that you can handle the weight. Most wheelchairs are made of steel for strength and so they tend to be heavy (40 lbs +) if you have difficulty perhaps a transport chair is a better option, usually made of aluminum and considerably lighter.

2. Find out what time you need to be there, not the time of the appointment.  If this is a first visit to a new Doctor they are going to require paperwork to be filled out when you arrive at the office, often they will ask you to get there 15 minutes early. Find out if the paperwork can be emailed to you in a PDF format and filled out online before the appointment then it's waiting there for you when you arrive, a time saver that limits the amount of time they need to wait.

3. Make sure you have a picture ID and all appropriate insurance cards. Medicare rules now require a picture ID because of fraud. If you no longer drive most states will offer an ID similar to what is available for children, be sure it has you current address. Most offices will then take copies of these documents that go in your chart but never assume they always have them so bring them along each time.

4. If this is a routine visit try to find out how long you are expected to be in with the Doctor. Bring a list of questions with you that you or your caregiver would like answers to. This will help you to determine what you might need to bring along as well. If you are going to be out past a meal bring along a snack and something to drink. If diabetic do you require insulin during the day? Bring your testing kit in case you need it. If you are traveling with oxygen, do you have a full tank that will get you through the day?

5. Be sure and always keep your parent in the loop. A common complaint of seniors is that they say they never know what is going on or that no one tells them anything. Let them know what they are going to see the Dr. for even if they keep asking the same thing. 

6. Find out ambulatory rules of your physician.  Your senior loved one may be asked to get up on a table. Are they able to move from a wheelchair on their own or do they require some assistance? Many Doctors offices and radiologists will not move patients because of the liability, are you able to assist in moving them? Make sure if using a transportation service is being used that they are willing to help. Also many cities now have portable X-Ray machines and may be able to come to their home or facility. Many times insurance will cover this, saving you a trip and time especially if the film can be emailed to the office before you even get there. This can save as much as an hour in an office.

7.  Bring a complete list of current medications they are taking, and the doses.  In addition, make sure you have contact information of all additional doctors your parent has seen in the past three years.  Finally, make sure you have the pharmacy information in case new prescriptions need to be called in for pickup.

8. Plan ahead for the all of the extra time it takes.   Transporting a senior in a wheelchair or walker takes longer than what you will take.  An average load/unload of a car can sometimes take over 20 minutes.  In addition, keep in mind over estimating your time can mean lengthy waits at a Dr's office, they almost never run ahead of schedule and even if they get you in on time it's often still a wait in the exam room.  Bring reading materials, as well as bottled water to help in the waiting period.

9. Consider the Weather and Traffic.  Is it going to be hot or cold? Rainy or snowy?  Rush Hour?  Seems like a given but sometimes the most obvious things are most easily forgotten. Dress accordingly, in summer remember to stay hydrated, bring a water bottle and most seniors get cold easily so even if it's warm out bring a sweater because the Dr's offices can be very cold.  Traffic in major metro markets can double the car travel time.  Make sure seniors visit the bathroom before traveling, as well as upon arrival.

10. Don't be afraid to ask questions of anyone, for anything! Keeping yourself informed is the best thing you can do for yourself. Also- a great tip is write down your concerns and questions for the doctor in advance and hand them to the receptionist upon arrival.  That way you don’t have to do as much talking to the doctor during the appointment.   This document will become part of your parents’ file, and can help in co-managing in their care as well.