Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners in your good health.
Research has shown that patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care — and to have better results. These tips should help you make the most of the sometimes-short time you have with your physician.
Offer Information - Don’t Wait to Be Asked!
- You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
- It's important to tell your doctor personal information — even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
- Bring a “health history” list with you (and keep it up to date). Your health insurance company may allow you to download a claims-based health record. Or, you may want to check out an online personal health record service such as Google Health.
- Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of those medicines. Include the dose and when and how often you take them. Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
- Tell your doctor about any natural or alternative medicines or treatments you try.
- Bring other medical information, such as X-ray films or test results, that may be relevant.
Get Information
- Ask questions. If you don’t, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said.
- Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
- Take notes.
- You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers.
- Ask your doctor to draw pictures if you need more help understanding something.
- Some doctors will allow you to bring a tape recorder to help you remember things. But always ask first.
- Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if you can call later to speak with someone.
Take Information Home
- Ask for written or printed instructions.
- Your doctor may have brochures and audio- or videotapes that can help you. If not, ask how you can get such materials.
Once You Leave the Doctor’s Office, Follow Up
- If you have questions, call.
- If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
- If you had tests done and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
- If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
- If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment promptly.
As healthcare gets more expensive and less available, it's important for all of us to make the most of the time we have. By following these tips, you can take charge of your own care.
The copyright of the article Tips for Talking with Your Doctor in Patient Health Education is owned by Robin Mayhall. Permission to republish Tips for Talking with Your Doctor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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