How well you and your doctor talk to each other is one of the most important parts of getting good health care. You and your doctor can work as a team along with nurses, physician assistants and pharmacists. Choose a doctor that you are comfortable talking with and one that will listen to your concerns. Are the doctor’s explanations clear enough for you and your family to understand? Is your insurance accepted and does the doctor’s office work well with your plan?
Here are some tips to make it easier to get the most out of an appointment.
- Make a list of what you want to discuss. Prioritize them, as many times they will only cover one or two issues at one appointment.
- Consider taking a family member or a friend. It helps to review the results of the appointment with someone else.
- Be sure you can see and hear well when you go. Use your glasses and hearing aids.
- Be clear and concise when describing your symptoms. Keep a journal if it is something ongoing and share that at your appointment.
- Take all your medications, including supplements, or a detailed list to your appointment. Know the reason for taking each one and what side effects to watch out for.
- Describe your life habits and let the doctor know of any major changes or stresses in your life.
- Make sure you understand any tests that are ordered and why they need to be done.
- Take notes to help you remember. Let the team know if you do not understand something. Ask for copies of any reports review later.
- Learn about prevention. It’s never too late to prevent a chronic illness from getting worse. Discuss diet and exercise specific to your medical diagnoses.
- Discuss sensitive subjects such as alcohol, fear of falling, grief, depression, incontinence or memory problems.
~Excerpts from NIH “Talking with your Doctor”
~Ginger Clark, R.N., Hope Church Nurse