Revised 7/18/12
Write down notes
before you see your doctor. What's important for you to ask?
Bring a family member or friend
with you. Chances are they will be able to communicate important
points or facts that may help.
Do you remember when your family memeber asked you Did you ask your doctor...?
Schedule enough time to fully listen to your story.
Be direct and to the point and honest. Describe any problems and symptoms that you have as accurately as you can.
Stick to the facts.Remember each patient appointment is on the avaerage only 10-20 minutes
Has respect and fully listens to his/her patient.
Has the ability to share information with you in a way you can understand.
Especially
if you don't understand what the doctor is sayung or asking. Medical
terms can be confusing, so if you doctor asks a question that is
"technical", Don't be afraid to ask for a clarification if you don't undertancd something.
Ask important
questions that you have or feel are important to you.
What is my diagnosis?
How will
my medical problem/diagnosis affect me?
How long will
treatment last?
Be able to manage expectations of the patient and understand what comes next.
Even over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal
remedies.
Ask your pharmacist!
Use only one pharmacy when
possible.
Bring your medicines with you to the
appointment.
Example - Arthritis herbal medicines, like Condrointon and Glucosamine.
Be able to help you understand why knowing all the medications that you take are impotant.
Even if he/she seems that they are rushed, take the time you need to explain how you feel.
Take notes!
Ask for
informational brochures or faq sheets. this will help you remember
what to do, without relying on memory. No one remembers
everything!
Ask for a written copy of any tests that your
doctor gives you. You can use these to show the specialist or other
doctors that you have.
Make sure that the nurse or office
assistant gives you a list of all appointments for lab work and
specialists.
Ate there any special instructions for these test
or appointments?
If the doctor is rushed, ask to speak to a
nurse to answer any questions you have not received an answer for, or
to clarify what the doctor has said.
Provide all the information you need in written form.
Does your provider have a method of communicating with him/her easily such as e-mail?
Remember, you and your doctor are a
team.
Health Care Proxy/Power of Attorney/Living Will.
You
both are responsible for your health care and the quality of care
that you receive.
1. Effective Patient - Doctor Communications About.com. Updated September 13th 2011.
2.
Talking
With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People National Institute on
Aging. April 2010.
3. Quick
Tips—When Talking with Your Doctor US Department of Health
and Human Resources. Agency for Health Care Research and Quality. Revised March 2009.
4.
Talking to Your
Doctor US National Institute of Health. National Eye Institute.