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Take a List
Sara
Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 11:18 AMre: Take a List
Jennifer Rackley
Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 09:16 AMI totally agree with you on the list issue. I spend a huge part of my (other) job helping parents make lists to discuss their child's medical problem. It helps keep you on topic, remeber what you wanted to ask and lets the doctor know you need some answers. I have often had doctors head to the door while I am in the middle of asking a question. This happens less frequently when I have a list in hand. Sometimes I feel like taking a voice recorder in with me would be helpful too! ;) I definitely encourage patients to leave room to write the answers to the questions as well. Some of the best questions to ask that can help get a quick diagnosis are:
Are there any other illnesses that mimick this one that we should rule out?
Do these tests show this disease is the problem definitively or could it still be caused by another illness?
Are there other/better tests to tell me the source of the problem?
How long do I give this treatment to work and what is the next step if it doesn't work?
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I find that when I go to the doctor for anything, it is really helpful to bring lists. A list of symptoms, a list of medications and a list of questions for starters. Some studies show that patients get about 15 to 20 minutes of actual "face-time" with their doctors. This doesn't leave much time for questions, and we all know how things slip from out minds when we are rushed. Plus, being in a hosptial gown in front of a doctor can be pretty intimidating. If you have a list, all your presing issues are right there in front of you, and it will let you doctor know that you are serious about getting answers.