What Not to Say at the Doctor’s Office

A warning from Louisiana personal injury lawyer, Loyd J Bourgeois.

At the doctor’s office:

Doctor (or Nurse): How are you feeling today?
You: I’m doing okay OR I’m feeling fine

This brief exchange happens at just about every doctor’s office visit and sets the stage for an unhelpful medical record.

Without thinking, you respond in a way that can and likely will be used to discredit your medical evidence. And it happens without even a thought.

You do not want to be viewed as a complainer, or you’ve become accustomed to your symptoms and don’t think you need to bring up things that have already been discussed.

When you are sick or injured, only you truly know and experience the full extent of your limitations and your pain. Even your doctors and the nurses you see regularly do not really know how you feel.

Only you know exactly what you are going through. And it is up to you to convey that at each visit, each appointment, each interaction with anyone at your medical provider’s office.

What Not to Tell a Doctor

If you’re at the doctor’s office after an accident, it’s because something is wrong. You are not okay, and you are not fine.

Saying you’re “fine” or “okay” when you’re not can hurt your personal injury claim. Doctors and insurance companies look at your medical records to see how serious your injuries are. If those records say you’re doing fine, it may look like you weren’t really hurt—or not hurt badly enough to need help.

Even if you’re trying to stay polite or tough it out, now is not the time. Be honest. Talk about your pain. Talk about how the injury is affecting your life. This isn’t complaining—it’s making sure your injuries are clearly documented.

You may only get one chance to tell the full story. Once something goes into your medical file, it’s hard to change. If your records keep saying “patient doing okay,” it could lower the value of your case or make it harder to get what you need.

If you’re hurt enough to be at the doctor’s office, make sure you say so. Clearly and every time.

There’s No Such Thing as “Wasting the Doctor’s Time”

One of the biggest misconceptions people bring to their appointments is the idea that they are taking up space or wasting a doctor’s time, especially if their symptoms turn out not to be serious. That’s simply not the case.

The entire purpose of seeing your doctor, or even going to the ER, is to get answers and care when something feels wrong. Maybe your shoulder pain is “just” soreness or your headache isn’t a consussion after all. That’s good news. Still, it doesn’t make your concern any less valid.

It’s far safer to let a professional sort it out than to downplay, delay, or dismiss symptoms because you’re worried about “bothering” your provider. Medical professionals are there to help, not just when things are catastrophic, but whenever you have concerns about your health.

So, if something feels off, even if you’re not sure how serious it is, bring it up. Your doctor can only help if you let them know what’s really going on.

What Are Better Ways to Communicate Concerns to Your Doctor?

Many people fail to adequately describe their pain, symptoms, and other limitations in detail.

Be different – give your doctors/nurses/medical providers all of the details about your pain, symptoms, and limitations. Make sure your description gives specifics about where, how much, how often, and what activities the symptoms limit you from doing.

Be Thorough and Specific

Don’t be afraid to clearly communicate exactly what you’re experiencing, even if you feel like you’re repeating yourself or being overly detailed. If you notice your symptoms are worse in the mornings, tell your doctor. If you can only walk to the mailbox before needing to rest, say so. Explain what daily tasks have become impossible or unusually difficult, whether that’s grocery shopping, lifting a gallon of milk, or making it through a full workday.

If you have questions about your condition, bring them up, even if they come from something you read or a new medication you heard about. It can help to jot down your questions or print out information to share with your provider. This not only helps you remember important points, but gives your doctor a clear understanding of your concerns.

Be Honest About Challenges

If your doctor suggests a treatment plan that feels unrealistic or if you know you won’t be able to stick with it, speak up. Your medical team needs an honest picture to provide the right care and to accurately document your challenges. Remember, your input is critical, your medical records should reflect the true extent of your limitations, not just what seems polite or convenient in the moment.

The more thorough and honest you are, the stronger your supporting medical evidence will be for your injury claim AND the better treatment you will receive.