How To Get The Most Out Of Your Visit With Your Doctor
Talking to a doctor can be intimidating for most people. For years doctors were put on pedestals (usually they did it themselves) and the rest of us schmucks did whatever they told us. Thanks to the information age, patients have access to reliable information and can arm themselves before that visit. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your visit time.
1) Schedule an "extra time" visit and inform the office assistant you'll be bringing a list of questions with you
2) Write that list down! Don't rely on your memory, you'll most likely forget something of importance to you.
3) Take all your medications IN THEIR BOTTLES with you to the doctor. Put them on the counter where the doctor can't help but see them (particularly if you are taking more than 5 prescribed plus any over-the-counter medications)
4) Ask the doctor if you can discontinue any of the medications.
5) If the doctor is hesitant to do so, ask why, if you don't understand, ask for clarification.
6) If the doctor determines you need surgery for a problem, get a second opinion. The doctor should understand your concern and will most likely tell you that's fine with him or her.
7) If your questions are not answered, and the doctor attempts to leave the room, block the door, and sweetly say you're not quite finished yet.
You see, doctors are pretty much forced to limit time with a patient because insurance companies tell them they must. But realize, it's your health at stake--if your doctor is not willing to spend a little extra time with you, then you must either make him or her spend time, or find a doctor that will.
Finding a doctor that actually listens to a patient can be quite a trick. They are busy people, but that's no excuse. They hear, but do not listen. As a patient you must make them listen. By the way, nurses are guilty of hearing but not listening too. All too often medical professionals either assume they know what's going on, or they're looking at a specific condition, and not the overall picture. A good doctor, or nurse, or nurse practitioner will ask you perhaps hundreds of questions during your initial appointment.
Still, you must take it upon yourself to be understood and heard.
Talking to a doctor can be intimidating for most people. For years doctors were put on pedestals (usually they did it themselves) and the rest of us schmucks did whatever they told us. Thanks to the information age, patients have access to reliable information and can arm themselves before that visit. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your visit time.
1) Schedule an "extra time" visit and inform the office assistant you'll be bringing a list of questions with you
2) Write that list down! Don't rely on your memory, you'll most likely forget something of importance to you.
3) Take all your medications IN THEIR BOTTLES with you to the doctor. Put them on the counter where the doctor can't help but see them (particularly if you are taking more than 5 prescribed plus any over-the-counter medications)
4) Ask the doctor if you can discontinue any of the medications.
5) If the doctor is hesitant to do so, ask why, if you don't understand, ask for clarification.
6) If the doctor determines you need surgery for a problem, get a second opinion. The doctor should understand your concern and will most likely tell you that's fine with him or her.
7) If your questions are not answered, and the doctor attempts to leave the room, block the door, and sweetly say you're not quite finished yet.
You see, doctors are pretty much forced to limit time with a patient because insurance companies tell them they must. But realize, it's your health at stake--if your doctor is not willing to spend a little extra time with you, then you must either make him or her spend time, or find a doctor that will.
Finding a doctor that actually listens to a patient can be quite a trick. They are busy people, but that's no excuse. They hear, but do not listen. As a patient you must make them listen. By the way, nurses are guilty of hearing but not listening too. All too often medical professionals either assume they know what's going on, or they're looking at a specific condition, and not the overall picture. A good doctor, or nurse, or nurse practitioner will ask you perhaps hundreds of questions during your initial appointment.
Still, you must take it upon yourself to be understood and heard.
posted by KennewickMusing at
7:23 PM
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1 comments
