When You're Concerned Something Is Wrong With Your Health
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider within 1-3 days to discuss your specific symptoms and concerns—your worry itself is a valid reason to seek medical evaluation, and addressing uncertainty early prevents escalation of both physical symptoms and anxiety. 1
Why Your Concern Matters
Your feeling that "something is going on" is clinically significant and should prompt evaluation, not dismissal. Research shows that uncertainty about symptoms and fear resulting from this uncertainty are primary drivers for seeking medical care, and patients' most prominent need is getting answers about what's causing their symptoms. 2 Diagnostic uncertainty that remains unaddressed can be harmful when it generates excessive worry about events outside your control. 3
What to Do Right Now
Prepare for Your Medical Visit
Before seeing your doctor, document the following specific details:
- Your exact symptoms: What you're experiencing, when it started, how often it occurs, what makes it better or worse 1
- Your specific worries: Write down what you fear might be wrong—studies show that 43% of patients with digestive symptoms worry their condition could become cancer, and 21% fear it already is cancer, yet most never voice these concerns 1
- Impact on your daily life: Note what activities you can't do anymore, what you've had to change, and how your sleep, appetite, work, and relationships are affected 1
- Questions you need answered: What would give you peace of mind? 4
During Your Appointment
Your doctor should directly ask about and address your specific fears—not just examine your physical symptoms. 1, 5 If they don't ask, you should volunteer: "I'm worried this could be [specific concern]." This allows your physician to provide targeted reassurance or appropriate testing. 1
Expect your provider to:
- Take your concerns seriously and validate that seeking answers is appropriate 1
- Explain what they think is happening and why 1
- Clarify what symptoms would indicate you need urgent re-evaluation 1
- Provide a clear follow-up plan with specific timeframes 1
If Symptoms Suggest Urgent Evaluation
Seek same-day or emergency evaluation if you have:
- Chest discomfort of any kind (severity of pain does not predict danger) 1
- Sudden severe symptoms that feel different from anything you've experienced 1
- Symptoms that are rapidly worsening 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not wait weeks hoping symptoms will resolve on their own if you're experiencing significant worry. The combination of physical symptoms and unresolved anxiety creates a cycle where each amplifies the other. 1 Studies show that when patients' concerns remain unaddressed, they experience ongoing fear and uncertainty that drives repeated healthcare visits and worsens quality of life. 2
Do not minimize your symptoms to your doctor or say "it's probably nothing" if you're genuinely concerned. This prevents your provider from understanding the true impact on your life and may lead to inadequate evaluation. 5
What Happens Next
Your provider will determine whether:
- Your symptoms require immediate testing or treatment 1
- You need referral to a specialist 1
- Your symptoms are related to stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors that still require treatment 1, 6
- Reassurance and watchful waiting with specific return precautions is appropriate 1
If psychological factors are contributing (which occurs in 20-33% of patients with persistent health concerns), this does not mean your symptoms aren't real—it means you need both medical evaluation AND support for anxiety or distress. 1 Treatment with an SSRI combined with cognitive behavioral therapy is the evidence-based approach when anxiety about health is prominent. 6, 7
Follow-Up Expectations
Your doctor should schedule reassessment within 4-6 weeks if symptoms persist, or sooner if concerning features develop. 6 You should leave the appointment knowing: (1) what your doctor thinks is causing your symptoms, (2) what warning signs require immediate return, and (3) when you'll be re-evaluated. 1