OpenHealth Q&A

Is It Normal to Repeat My Symptoms Several Times During a Medical Appointment?

Demographics: 32-year-old female, height 5'6", weight 162 lbs, non-smoker, currently on several medications not pertinent to this inquiry. I’m not entirely familiar with the typical procedures in larger hospitals, as I generally visit a small clinic where I only meet with my primary care physician. Recently, however, I was referred to a gastrointestinal specialist at a large hospital that seems to be affiliated with a university, although I’m unclear about the specifics of that relationship. At my usual clinic, I expect a nurse to check my vitals and ask a few preliminary questions related to my visit. On this occasion, initially, a nurse entered, took my vitals, and inquired about the purpose of my visit. Following that, another nurse—possibly in training—came in and asked almost identical questions while taking notes. Next, the GI doctor I had the appointment with arrived. He posed several more inquiries and shared his professional insights. Everything felt routine until after our discussion concluded; I thought I had shared all necessary information. I settled back to await any next steps, perhaps some follow-up paperwork. To my surprise, a fourth individual entered, introducing himself as another gastrointestinal doctor. Given his age, I presumed he held more experience or seniority than the previous physician. Unfortunately, he displayed that slightly condescending demeanor that some older men exude while engaging with younger women. Shockingly, he proceeded to ask me the same fundamental questions yet again—this time with seemingly no regard for the information I had already shared with both the nurse and the first doctor. This marked the fifth time I found myself recapping my personal history regarding sensitive issues like digestive discomfort and diarrhea, all while sitting alone in a room filled with three men. It felt quite awkward, to say the least. I wished I could have voiced my frustration, but my medical anxiety flared up, making me retreat into a people-pleasing mode that I am actively trying to manage. After this exchange, I received a stool test kit to take home before departing. Can someone explain why I had to recount my medical history repeatedly—to the first nurse, the second one, the doctor, and then a second doctor? The entire experience struck me as rather odd!

Answers (1)

8/9/2025, 7:10:50 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel frustrated when you have to repeat your medical history multiple times during an appointment. This experience is not uncommon, especially in larger medical facilities. Here’s what you need to know:

Main Points:

1. Repetition May Occur: Repeating your history is often a standard procedure in larger hospitals for various reasons, though it can feel uncomfortable.
2. Purpose of the Process: Different healthcare providers may be checking for the same information to ensure nothing is missed and to support a thorough evaluation.

Explanation:

In larger hospitals, the workflow can differ significantly from smaller clinics, where you usually see the same primary care physician. In this setting, multiple individuals may be involved in your care. Each healthcare provider may ask similar questions for several reasons:

• Data Verification: They may want to confirm details or ensure all information is accurately captured in their system.
• Teaching Environment: If the facility is associated with a university, there could be medical students or residents involved in your care seeking to learn from the process.
• Specialization: The second physician may have specific insights or areas of expertise relevant to your symptoms that need clarification.

While repeating your medical history can feel redundant, it’s often intended to ensure comprehensive care. However, it's also important that you feel respected and heard throughout the process.

Next Steps:

1. Communicate Your Concerns: If you feel comfortable, consider expressing how the repetitive questioning affected your experience. You might mention this to the office manager or provide feedback if there's a system in place.

2. Bring Notes: For future appointments, keep a written summary of your medical history, symptoms, and any important questions. This may help reduce the need for repetitive explanations and make it easier to present your case concisely.

3. Practice Assertiveness: Work on expressing your needs and concerns during medical appointments. If you ever feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed again, it’s okay to ask the healthcare provider to reference notes or to move on to new questions.

Remember, your comfort and understanding are essential, and advocating for yourself is a vital part of your healthcare journey. If you need more tips on managing medical anxiety or navigating healthcare interactions, feel free to ask!