Talking To Your Doctor
Don't be shy or "embarrassed" about anything. Rest assured that doctors have "seen it all" and "heard it all." They're not there to judge. Doctors are also human, and they have their own problems. There's a good chance they have some of the same problems you have. Remember that your doctor is not a mind-reader. You must tell him or her everything you know, think, and feel about your problem if you want the best diagnosis and treatment plan. Ask questions and more questions. If you cannot understand your doctor's explanations, ask him or her to repeat everything in simpler language. Ask to se photos and illustrations. Ask to be given or sent written material that explains things in greater detail. Share your thoughts with your doctor. If you don't think what he or she is recommending makes sense, say so -- and say why.
If you're worried, say so -- and ask how you can get more information and
support. If you don't think a test, procedure, or prescription is
necessary, say so -- and ask for more information. If you don't plan to
follow his or her advice or directions, say so -- and ask for other advice
that's easier to follow. Don't hesitate to talk about costs. This will make your
doctor aware that you don't want unnecessary tests and procedures. Ask about
non-medical alternatives, such as lifestyle changes. Ask if you can take a "wait
and see" approach. Often, cost can give you a good idea about the extensiveness
of a procedure. If the doctor tells you a certain test costs $50 and another
costs $500, you have a better idea which test to choose first, what's involved,
etc. Before your doctor leaves the exam room, ask if you can quickly summarize
the major points, and what you're going to do once you get home.
Things to talk to your doctor about:
Make a list (and take it with you) of your symptoms and/or concerns. Rank these things in order of importance to you.
When your doctor walks into the exam room, hand him or her your list. Or, refer
to your list, and say, "I need to talk with you about these five things today"
-- and then name the five things in order of importance. If something on your
list can't be covered during the visit, ask about scheduling a phone call or a
second visit.
Know your personal and family medical history (immunization dates, major
illnesses, surgery dates, menstrual /menopause history, ages and causes of
family death, etc.). If these histories are not already in your chart,
take a written list with you to you doctor's visit. Make a list of the
medications and vitamins you are taking -- prescription and nonprescription. Or,
you can put all your medicine and vitamin containers in a brown paper bag and
show them to your doctor.
Tell/remind your doctor which specialists you are seeing and why. Have records,
lab test results, and X-rays from specialists sent to your primary care doctor
before your visit, so your complete records are available when you arrive for
your appointment.
Note: Before you go to your appointment, phone to make sure your records have
been received. If they have not, consider rescheduling your appointment.
Take these words to your next doctor's visit: