The relationship between you and your doctor should be one of open communication and complete trust -- a two-way street of listening and discussion. Things you need to know.
1. Don't wait until you are sick to pick a doctor. You may be rushed and possibly too sick to make a good decision.
2. It's actually a good idea to have a friend or family member present during doctor's visits so they can take notes or help you remember what the doctor said.
3. If you are worried you will forget something important from a doctor's office visit, bring a tape recorder with a blank tape and fresh batteries to your next appointment. A cell phone with recording capability will also work.
4. Bring any X-rays or pathology reports to a doctor's appointment. If these tests were performed at a hospital or clinic that does not release files directly to you, make sure they will send that information to your doctor's office prior to your visit so he can review it ahead of time.
5. Prior to an appointment with your doctor, prepare your questions, bring the list with you and write down your doctor's answers during your appointment. This ensures you will remember all the questions you had, and you will get the most from your appointment.
6. When booking a doctor's appointment, always try to get the first appointment of the day. At that time, things haven't had a chance to become backed up, and you'll spend less time waiting.
7. A doctor’s time is limited: the average office visit is estimated to last 15 minutes.
8. If you have a lot to discuss during a particular visit, tell the office receptionist so he or she can help. You may also consider asking if you can have two consecutive appointments. Finally, befriend the office nurses and the administrators -- they can make your life much easier when dealing with the doctor.
9. In addition to any questions you may have and past lab results, you should also bring a baggie filled with every medication, vitamin, herb or whatever else you take regularly (in the original bottles or containers) and a copy of your health profile to your appointment.
10. A health profile is one or more forms that lists pertinent health information: current and past medical problems, family health history, as well as current medications or supplements.
11. The best way to start a doctor's appointment is by providing a concise background of your symptoms. Although you may need to discuss several issues, it's best to start with just one.
12. You should tell your doctor if an explanation, description or word is unfamiliar. Ask your doctor to explain it in more simple terms.
13. You may have several more questions at each doctor's visit, but these three should always be asked: How is my overall health?; Are there any tests I should have based on my age or for other reasons?; Do you have any recommendations about lifestyle modifications I should make?
14. It's crucial to be honest about your medical history and compliance (or not) with the doctor's treatment or prescription. Doctors can act only on what they're told. If you're not honest, Doctors will not be able to treat you properly; Doctors will not be able to diagnose your condition properly; Doctors will think the treatment or prescription they suggested for you is not working.
15. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, he's probably not the best doctor for you. In order to work, a doctor-patient relationship has to be open and trusting.
16. If your doctor isn't providing the right kind of care, find another one. Physicians provide a service, and if you're not happy or comfortable with it, it is your right to seek better care elsewhere.
17. Some people are told they have "white coat hypertension." This means the patient's blood pressure may be elevated at the doctor’s office or clinic, but not at home or at other times.
18. Some patients take their prescription medicines only as long as the doctor's white coat remains vivid in their minds. About half of patients who need drugs long-term stop taking their medications within six months of their last doctor visit. This is called "white coat non-compliance."
19. Patient non-compliance happens when the patient does not take prescription medications as directed by the doctor. Reasons may include cost, a fear of becoming addicted to the medication and side effects, as well as forgetting to take medications on time.
20. You should always ask for a copy of your test results. There may be a time you need them and the doctor's staff can't be reached.
1. Don't wait until you are sick to pick a doctor. You may be rushed and possibly too sick to make a good decision.
2. It's actually a good idea to have a friend or family member present during doctor's visits so they can take notes or help you remember what the doctor said.
3. If you are worried you will forget something important from a doctor's office visit, bring a tape recorder with a blank tape and fresh batteries to your next appointment. A cell phone with recording capability will also work.
4. Bring any X-rays or pathology reports to a doctor's appointment. If these tests were performed at a hospital or clinic that does not release files directly to you, make sure they will send that information to your doctor's office prior to your visit so he can review it ahead of time.
5. Prior to an appointment with your doctor, prepare your questions, bring the list with you and write down your doctor's answers during your appointment. This ensures you will remember all the questions you had, and you will get the most from your appointment.
6. When booking a doctor's appointment, always try to get the first appointment of the day. At that time, things haven't had a chance to become backed up, and you'll spend less time waiting.
7. A doctor’s time is limited: the average office visit is estimated to last 15 minutes.
8. If you have a lot to discuss during a particular visit, tell the office receptionist so he or she can help. You may also consider asking if you can have two consecutive appointments. Finally, befriend the office nurses and the administrators -- they can make your life much easier when dealing with the doctor.
9. In addition to any questions you may have and past lab results, you should also bring a baggie filled with every medication, vitamin, herb or whatever else you take regularly (in the original bottles or containers) and a copy of your health profile to your appointment.
10. A health profile is one or more forms that lists pertinent health information: current and past medical problems, family health history, as well as current medications or supplements.
11. The best way to start a doctor's appointment is by providing a concise background of your symptoms. Although you may need to discuss several issues, it's best to start with just one.
12. You should tell your doctor if an explanation, description or word is unfamiliar. Ask your doctor to explain it in more simple terms.
13. You may have several more questions at each doctor's visit, but these three should always be asked: How is my overall health?; Are there any tests I should have based on my age or for other reasons?; Do you have any recommendations about lifestyle modifications I should make?
14. It's crucial to be honest about your medical history and compliance (or not) with the doctor's treatment or prescription. Doctors can act only on what they're told. If you're not honest, Doctors will not be able to treat you properly; Doctors will not be able to diagnose your condition properly; Doctors will think the treatment or prescription they suggested for you is not working.
15. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, he's probably not the best doctor for you. In order to work, a doctor-patient relationship has to be open and trusting.
16. If your doctor isn't providing the right kind of care, find another one. Physicians provide a service, and if you're not happy or comfortable with it, it is your right to seek better care elsewhere.
17. Some people are told they have "white coat hypertension." This means the patient's blood pressure may be elevated at the doctor’s office or clinic, but not at home or at other times.
18. Some patients take their prescription medicines only as long as the doctor's white coat remains vivid in their minds. About half of patients who need drugs long-term stop taking their medications within six months of their last doctor visit. This is called "white coat non-compliance."
19. Patient non-compliance happens when the patient does not take prescription medications as directed by the doctor. Reasons may include cost, a fear of becoming addicted to the medication and side effects, as well as forgetting to take medications on time.
20. You should always ask for a copy of your test results. There may be a time you need them and the doctor's staff can't be reached.
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