This month I have been focusing on being involved and aware in your health care. We talked about The Importance of self-Awareness in Your Health Care and I provided resources for ADHD Awareness Week. This week we'll talk about how to talk to your doctor to foster a partnership.
It is easy to be intimidated in the doctor's office. Some doctors believe you are the patient and they are the doctor, they are the knowledgeable ones, you need to just listen and do what you are told. They may seem too busy to really listen to your concerns or brush them off as insignificant. You walk out of the office feeling as if you didn't get your questions answered or you don't understand what you are supposed to be doing.
The previous model of medical care included a doctor who diagnosed, prescribed medication and gave instructions without much input from the patients, but this is slowly changing. The U.S. National Institutes of Health states, "Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is more of a partnership. You and your doctor can work as a team...to solve your medical problems and keep you healthy." In order to do become a partner, you need to know how to talk to your doctor and what to say. The following are guidelines to help you make the most of every doctor's appointment.
Know What You Want
When calling to make a doctor's appointment, know exactly what you want to accomplish. If this is a "med check" let the receptionist or nurse know. If you want to talk about changing medications, tell the receptionist. If you have additional concerns, state them (or at least explain that you have additional concerns) at the time you are making the appointment.
Most doctors' appointments are 15 minutes long. This is usually enough time to go over one or two medical concerns. If you have additional concerns, ask for a double appointment. Explain there are a number of issues that need to be discussed and you would like additional time to make sure all your issues are addressed.
Knowing what you want to accomplish at the time you make the appointment will help you achieve your goals.
Be Prepared
Before walking out the door to go to the doctor's office, make sure you are prepared. I have often advocated creating a "medical care journal" which is simply a notebook that you use specifically for health care. It should include your doctors' names, addresses and phone numbers, a list of all medications you take (including over-the-counter, supplements and vitamins) and a summary of every doctor's visit. As soon as you make an appointment, write down the date, the reason for the appointment and any questions you have for the doctor. Bring the notebook with you for every appointment and write a summary of the visit when you are done.
Ask Questions
Your doctor should welcome your questions. He (or she) should want you to understand why he is suggesting a certain treatment or what side effects you should expect from your medication. Start by asking the questions you listed in your notebook, the main reason for your appointment. If he suggests a certain treatment, ask why and what you can expect to gain from the treatment. If he recommends a certain medication over another, ask why.
