People often wonder how to make the most of the precious little time they have with their doctors. What questions to ask, which symptoms are the highest priority, or which, if any, medications or remedies are the best for certain ailments.
By entering the visit with a few clear ideas, jotting down thoughts, and preparing for the visit by identifying the three or four highest personal health priorities, visits to the doctor will be much more productive, will lead to a better relationship with the provider, and should lead to a healthier patient.
What to Tell the Doctor
Once the patient has identified his or her healthcare priorities -- the issues in need of the most attention -- make a list and write it down. The list should include questions to ask the doctor, noted symptoms in chronological order of appearance, details of any remedies tried and the result of those remedies, family history, and past medical history.
This list will focus the conversation with the doctor and help rule out the conditions causing the symptoms. The doctor also will be able to use the listed remedies and the results to know what to try next in treating the problem, and may help him or her know what to stay away from saving the patient valuable recovery time.
What to Ask the Doctor
When thinking of the list of health priorities and jotting down the symptoms, try to focus the questions for the doctor; ask what he or she thinks is wrong. Ask is he or she has heard of the problem, how serious it may be, what are the best treatment options and why, what are the side effects of the medications he or she may prescribe, if he or she thinks the problem me be environmental (in the case of an allergy, for example) or what might have caused the most recent outbreak.
What about diet and lifestyle? Could that have something to do with the condition? If he or she orders tests, what are they and how will they be beneficial. If the patient has health insurance, ask if everything is going to be covered under the plan.
Whether Another Appointment is Required, and When
When the provider sets a path for treatment, he or she may ask the patient to return for another visit or to schedule ongoing treatments. If that is the case, remember, that’s not always a bad thing. It just means the doctor has the patient’s best interest in mind; consider the doctor another support person and take advantage of the doctor’s knowledge of the health issue.
However, continue to keep lists of questions and concerns especially as they relate to the medications the patient is taking and the symptoms or side effects of each. Make checklists and continue to prioritize them.
It is very common that patients will have a number of questions to ask the doctor, but in the stress of the consultation, many people forget most of these.
It is also helpful to write down the doctor's answers, take notes, and if needed, do some research before the next visit. Two heads are better than one, after all.
Also, consider taking a friend along for the visit. This helps to reduce a patient’s anxiety; gives them courage to ask tough questions, and ensures that the information from the doctor is being interpreted correctly.
Always Ask Questions
The most important thing to remember is to always ask questions. No question is too small and there are no such things as stupid questions when it comes to a patient’s health.
Be assertive in asking questions and obtaining information, but do not be aggressive or antagonistic. Listen carefully to what the doctor says, and ask more follow-up questions.
Patients should consider themselves a priority and when they are with their doctor, that is where his or her focus should be. To help make this happen, prepare and follow some of these simple tips list above.
Reference:
“How to Find Dr. Right,” by Aniruddha Malpani, MD, OBGYN.net, March 6, 1997
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