Health Tips for Better Living
Tips for Communicating Better with your Doctor
Doctors can be hard to talk to.
They might use medical terms that confuse or intimidate you. Or they might rush through your appointment, leaving you with feelings of frustration and a list of unanswered questions. Many doctors lack good communications skills. But your doctor could be the most important person you ever talk to, you owe it to your health to establish and maintain good lines of communication. Here are some ways to start:
Treat the doctor as a partner in your care.
Base it, like all good relationships, on mutual respect and trust.
Write down your questions.
Improve the chances of having all your questions answered by writing them down before your visit. Ask your most important questions first. Doing so will help you remember and will save time, which the doctor will appreciate. Researching your condition and treatment options can trigger questions and make you familiar with some of the medical terms your doctor might use.
Share information.
Tell your doctor about all of your symptoms, the health conditions you have or had, what medications you take and whether you are seeing another health professional. This way, your doctor can coordinate care and avoid prescribing anything that could be harmful or counteract another drug.
Don't go it alone.
There's a lot of information coming at you for you to comprehend it, process it and come up with questions. Bring a Spouse, Son or Daughter, a good friend or if you can not bring someone, bring a tape recorder.
Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand what is said.
Doctors are trained to diagnose, to treat, to cut, but not always to communicate. Use such phrases as "so what you're saying is . . . " and then try to put the news in your own words. Never nod knowingly if you don't understand.
Take a notebook.
No matter how good your memory is under normal circumstances, you might forget some of what the doctor said. The notebook could be an important reference tool two hours after the appointment, or two months later. Also, ask your doctor for any brochures.
Be honest.
Mention that you might seek a second opinion if you have questions or concerns about your diagnosis or treatment. Don't worry about offending the doctor. It's important to be honest about your reservations and concerns.