Although it may seem that they talk in a different language, it’s important to take an active role in your healthcare to get a better understanding of your specific needs. Open a detailed line of communication with your doctor to improve your relationship. This type of communication enables your doctor to give you a more exact diagnosis, and allow you to understand the particulars of the doctor’s advice and reasoning behind it. Besides a complete past and current medical history and concerns, have a thorough routine of questions for the doctor to get the most out of each doctor visit.
Your doctor should have healthcare informatics in place to keep a thorough record of patients, so you shouldn’t be shy about asking question about your current or past health concerns. Information should be readily available to your doctor to help answer any questions you may have, if they are a reliable practice. Here are a few questions and information you should have for your doctor during each exam.
Tell Your Doctor
– Any symptoms or pains
– Changes in personal information, such as stressors, life changes, or faculties
– About additional medication and strength of the medicine
– Side effects to any new medicine or possible allergic reactions
– Major concerns for current health
– When treatment doesn’t feel right or unhelpful
Ask Your Doctor
– To elaborate for any medical information that is hard to understand
– Which medical concerns are valid, and suggestions for changes to lifestyle
– About additional treatment, and if it’s necessary
Make sure to take any information home with you and keep it in your records for reference in future doctor visits, including pamphlets, brochures, notes, written instructions from the doctor. Follow any information the doctor gave you, including new medicine, life changes, or test scheduling. If you have forgotten anything, don’t be afraid to contact the doctor for clarification. Also, don’t be afraid to call the doctor once you follow the instruction.
Important reason for a doctor callback:
– Poor reaction to new medication or treatment
– No updates on test results
– Have a question regarding prior appointments
The relationship between doctor and patient is an important one that should have the best means of communication skills available, so both parties can effectively discuss concern and medical records. You’re paying the doctor for the best health care, including vigilance to helping you understand a doctor diagnosis.
Originally posted on May 25, 2011 @ 2:49 pm