MD Follow-Ups: How to Help Your Patients Prepare

One key area where physical therapists can go above and beyond is by helping patients prepare for their medical doctor (MD) follow-up appointments. It’s common for patients to feel uncertain about what to expect during these visits, unsure of what information to share, and unaware of how to advocate for themselves. By educating and empowering patients, we can help them maximize the value of these appointments and enhance their recovery.

The Reality of MD Follow-Ups

Medical doctor visits can be a mixed bag. Some patients report positive experiences where they feel heard, receive clear explanations of their diagnosis, and leave with a solid plan. Others, however, may feel rushed through the appointment, unheard, and confused about the next steps.

In my experience, physical therapists can play a significant role in setting patients up for success and increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome.

How to Prepare Patients for Their Appointments

When preparing a patient for a doctor’s visit, it’s helpful to provide general expectations, especially if you aren’t familiar with the specific doctor’s tendencies. I also like to offer practical tips to help the patient make the most of the appointment.

Example Preparation Discussion:

For a patient following up post-op ACL reconstruction, I might say:

“Alright, so your follow-up is tomorrow. Expect it to be a pretty quick visit. This doctor tends to be very busy and may see 60+ patients a day. Usually, a nurse or physician assistant will come in first to ask how things have been since your last visit. Be honest with them—let them know what’s going well and what challenges you’re still facing. Make sure you mention that you’ve been attending physical therapy and share what we’ve been working on.

After that, they’ll likely step out and consult with the doctor, who will then come in briefly. The doctor may ask similar questions, do a quick range of motion or strength test, and provide some recommendations before leaving. They tend to be in and out quickly, so it’s important to be ready.

Write down any questions you have ahead of time, and don’t be afraid to speak up—otherwise, the doctor might be gone before you get the chance. If they suggest any new ideas, changes to your plan, or additional recommendations, let me know at our next session so we can adjust your treatment accordingly.”

Why This Matters

Patients greatly appreciate these preparatory discussions. I’ve had countless patients return after their MD follow-ups expressing how helpful it was to have clear expectations and a plan for what to say.

Addressing More Challenging Scenarios

In cases where the patient isn’t improving, it’s essential to prepare them for potentially difficult conversations with the doctor. Here’s how you can help:

• Educate them on what to expect: Some doctors may become visibly frustrated if the patient hasn’t shown improvement. Others might dismiss their concerns. Prepare the patient to remain calm, assertive, and clear in communicating that they need additional answers or interventions.

• Encourage them to be proactive: Remind patients that they have the right to ask questions and request further evaluation if necessary. Help them feel confident in advocating for their care.

Insights from Shadowing Orthopedic Surgeons

Having had the privilege of shadowing many orthopedic surgeons in both operating rooms and clinics across various cities, I’ve observed a consistent theme: these doctors are incredibly busy. It’s not uncommon for them to see 60+ patients in a single day, leading to quick chart reviews, brief conversations, and rapid patient turnover.

Understanding this reality allows us to better prepare our patients. The more we can set realistic expectations and guide them on how to navigate these fast-paced appointments, the more likely they are to have productive visits and feel supported throughout their recovery.

Final Thoughts

Helping patients prepare for their MD follow-ups is a simple yet powerful way to enhance their experience and outcomes. By offering clear guidance, setting realistic expectations, and empowering them to advocate for themselves, we can foster stronger patient-doctor interactions and ultimately improve recovery success.