The single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own health care team. An important part of this relationship is good communication. Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care get better results.
However, as more and more of us take active roles in our health care, we're finding that it's not always easy to communicate with our healthcare providers. Often, we feel rushed or overwhelmed and sometimes we're confused by unfamiliar medical terms.
You’re the customer
Always remember, your doctor is your paid medical consultant and you are the client. Don't allow yourself to be rushed or interrupted. Make a list of your questions and take them with you to your appointment, so you don’t get confused or flustered and forget to ask something important.
Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication. Here are a few more tips:
- If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.
- Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion.
- Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions for you.
- Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.
- If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.
- Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.
Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to get your discussion started:
About my disease or disorder...
- What is my diagnosis?
- What caused my condition?
- Can my condition be treated?
- How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
- Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?
- Should I make any lifestyle changes?
About my treatment...
- What is the treatment for my condition?
- When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
- What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?
- What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
- Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
- If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do if I miss a dose?
- Are other treatments available?
About my tests...
- What kinds of tests will I have?
- What do you expect to find out from these tests?
- When will I know the results?
- Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
- Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
- Will I need more tests later?
Getting the most from a Visit with Your Doctor
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
National Institute on Aging
A 48-page booklet you can print out, read at your leisure, and take with you to your next doctor visit.
The Members of Your Health Care Team
National Cancer Institute
While the topic of this article is cancer care, it can apply to a wide variety of situations.
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