Author : Dr Jennifer Frank University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Appleton, Wisconsin
2009-08-18
How to Talk to Your Doctor
Getting : the most out of a short-but-sweet office visit
We all, unfortunately, have to go to the doctor now and then. Usually, the doctor is rushed and can use a lot of big words and say things really quickly. It is easy to forget all your questions, mix-up what he or she said, or leave the visit without feeling like you got what you needed. Read below for a 10 point how-to approach to your next doctor's visit.
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| Image : CDC |
Getting Ready for the Visit
The first step is to figure out why you are going to the doctor. Is it
for an annual "check-up", to get a diagnosis, for a medication, or to
figure out why something isn't going right? Maybe you were referred to a
specialist or maybe you are just trying to establish care with a new
doctor. Whatever the reason, don't walk into that office unprepared!
What to Bring With You to the Doctor's Office
- All of your medications in the bottles. Include over-the-counter medications that you take weekly (or more often).
- Old medical records from previous doctors, including things like previous mammograms or EKGs.
- A list of what you want to accomplish at the visit.
- A list of any questions or concerns you have.
- Your immunization record.
- A
friend, spouse, or family member if you anticipate that the visit will
bring up complex or difficult issues. Someone else being present can
help remind you to ask all the questions you wanted to ask and can help
you remember what the doctor said when you get home.
- A good book or your iPod - in case the doctor keeps you waiting!
10 Steps to Making the Most Out of Your Doctor's Visit
1. Identify your Agenda
There
is nothing doctors dread more than to hear "Oh, by the way..." from a
patient as their hand is on the doorknob at the end of the visit. As
you can imagine, when the visit is over and the doctor is already
thinking about the next patient, it is not the best time to bring up a
serious concern.
Most of the time, the doctor has an
idea of what he or she wants to accomplish during the office visit based
on the "reason for visit" noted at the time you make your appointment.
So, if you have more you want to discuss, make sure that everyone from
the receptionist to the nurse to the doctor knows what is on your
agenda.
2. Make a List
Write down the top 3 things you want to discuss plus any others (if
there is extra time). Make sure to think about the things you want to
discuss before you get to the exam room. This way you will have all the
information you need at the time of your visit. Maybe you have a
question about something you read in the paper - bring the article
along. If you want to know something specific about your medication -
bring the bottle along. You get the idea. It is kind of like going
grocery shopping. If you don't write down everything you need, you
will inevitably forget the milk or eggs.
3. Ask for the Time you Need
Expecting too much from the limited amount of time allotted for your
office visit is another way to sabotage a successful doctor's
appointment. In general, a 15 minute visit is about enough time to
address one or at the most two concerns. Make sure to let the
receptionist know everything you want to discuss at the
visit. This way, enough time can be scheduled to make sure you get a
chance to get to everything on your list.
4. Be Honest
Let's be honest...some of the things you talk about in the doctor's
office are downright embarrassing. Sexual dysfunction, hemorrhoids,
vaginal discharge, a rash "down there" are all things that can be hard
to discuss with your doctor. However, and let me be very clear here,
there is nothing we haven't heard as doctors. And I do mean,
nothing. So, feel free to spill all the gory details about whatever it
is that is concerning you. It is the best and fastest way to get
better.
5. Be Patient
It is understandable that after you have suffered with some type of
ailment for weeks, months, or even years, you want an answer today.
Usually it will take some time for the doctor to make a diagnosis
(maybe after getting a lab, xray, or other test) and to formulate a
treatment plan. In fact, you may want to be wary of any doctor who
jumps to a diagnosis and treatment before giving your adequate time to
share your history, do a careful exam, and get other needed
information. It is also important to give the treatment (whether that
is physical therapy or a medication) time to work.
6. Be Nice to the Office Staff
I
am amazed sometimes to find out that a patient who was perfectly nice
to me was yelling at my receptionist just minutes before. Most of the
time, the people who are working in your doctor's office actually like
people and want to help you. They understand that nobody is at their
best when they are sick, but the receptionist, nurse, lab people, and
administrative staff do want to be treated just like you do -
politely. In my clinic, I have a very low tolerance for any patient
yelling at or cussing at my staff. So, if you can't be nice, you may be
looking for a different doctor.
7. Make Sure You Understand
It
is hard to remember what the doctor said even 15 minutes after you have
left the office. A lot of doctors are great at explaining things and
writing them down for patients, but a lot of doctors go too quickly
through complex information. This really struck me when I had eye
surgery. Even though I am a doctor and should know all this stuff (yeah
right!), I was given 4 different eye drops to use and couldn't remember
which one was just to use "as needed" and which one I was supposed to
take every day. If you need to remember more than one thing, it is
usually best to write everything down. Ask Me 3
is one approach to making sure patients understand what is going on at a
doctor's visit. It recommends that patients ask (and write down the
answers to) 3 questions:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
8. Tell the Doctor about Barriers
This
is a super-important, often over-looked part of the visit. If you
can't read or can't read well (this is actually very common), let your
doctor know. You may do better by watching a video or getting
one-on-one nursing teaching than by reading a pamphlet. If you can't
afford your medication, let your doctor know. What is the point to
getting a prescription you can't fill? If you are not willing to engage
in lifestyle change (losing weight, quitting smoking, etc), let your
doctor know. That way he/she can come up with Plan B to get your
chronic diseases under better control.
9. Follow Up as Directed
If
your doctor asks you to come back in 3 months to get that little spot
on your arm checked, make sure to do it. If you are not any better
after one month on the medication the doctor started, follow up. This
is the only way to make sure that you get the care you need, that things
don't get worse, and that if the first remedy doesn't work, you move
quickly to the next.
10. Be the Coach
You
are in charge of your health care team. Make sure that you act as the
coach. Get input from and advice from your doctor, but take an active
role in managing your health care. This incorporates steps 1-9 listed
above. Do not be a passive bench-warmer as your health care is decided
for you.
Additional Resources
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