Be mentally and emotionally prepared for your appointment
- Keep the Psych 101 principle of "self-fulfilling prophecy" in mind. Anticipate the best response from your doctor rather than the worst and you're more likely to get it.
- When your doctor enters the room, offer your hand for shaking and make eye contact. This establishes personal contact at the beginning. Do this at each appointment.
- When seeing a doctor for the first time, explain that you want to be an active participant in your care rather than expecting him or her to work miracles. This will help set the tone for your appointment.
- As much as possible, remain objective, and don't take perceived attitudes personally.
- Keep in mind that some of the most brilliant doctors don't have particularly good bedside manners.
- If you can get a doctor who is both an excellent practitioner and a personality that comes across as caring and compassionate, that's great. However, that combination seems not to be the norm, and it's not necessary for you to receive good medical care.
- If your doctor isn't one who is good at conversation and offering information, ask questions.
- If the layout of the exam room or office allows, position yourself between the doctor and the door. If your doctor seems to think the appointment is over and begins to leave the room before you're finished, politely stop him or her and let them know you have more questions.
The bottom line
Being an active, educated partner in your own healthcare will help you achieve the best care. Maintaining good documentation for use during your appointments and being well organized and mentally/emotionally prepared for your appointments will help both you and your doctor to achieve your goals.
No doctor is the right doctor for every patient. Even your best efforts combined with the doctor's best efforts may not produce a satisfactory patient/doctor relationship and satisfactory medical outcomes with some doctors. If and when that happens, don't let it deter you. Ultimately, you are responsible for your health and doctors work for and with you. If you feel you and your doctor aren't working well together, talk to the doctor to see if the situation can be rectified. If not, it's to your advantage and the doctor's for you to seek care elsewhere.
Related resources:
© Teri Robert, 2007.
Last updated October 13, 2007.
