When you are with a doctor, keep in mind that there are have three goals to accomplish during your time together:

1. Help the doctor fully understand your medical situation.
2. Get the answers to your questions and concerns.
3. Understand the doctor's recommendations.

Following are guidelines to help accomplish those purposes:

• Keep in mind that time is short -- but a lot can be done in a short period of time.
• Keep the playing field level so you feel as if you and the doctor are equal partners in your health care.
• Do not expect the same relationship with all your doctors.
• Be proactive.
• Let the doctor what you hope to accomplish in the meeting.
• Make yourself an individual to the doctor in whatever manner works for you. Telling about your personal life helps. So does snowing concern for the doctor's life and schedule.
• Be open and honest with your doctor.
• Use medical terms whenever possible.
• When you ask about research you've done or information you've learned, give the doctor a copy or the citation. Ask the doctor's opinion about the information rather than using it to confront him or her. 
• Tell the doctor everything that he or she needs to know.
• Ask everything you need to know.
• Be sure you understand what the doctor tells you.
• Expect the best from your doctor.
• To be sure you understand what the doctor tells you:
  • Record the session if the doctor lets you.
  • At the end of the appointment, recap what happened.
• Find out what to do if questions arise after the end of your meeting with your doctor.
• If you are over age 65, watch for doctors who think about your age before your symptoms.
• Learn how to deal with problems that may arise in meetings with doctors.
• If you are grateful to your doctor, show it.

Each of these subjects is discussed in detail in other sections of this document.

NOTE: To see techniques for talking with your doctor, see Meret's Oppenheim's video: Talking With Your Doctor.

Please share how this information is useful to you. 0 Comments