FIND A PHYSICIAN        

Tips for Talking with Your Doctor

Posted: Nov. 1, 2006

The single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own health care team. One way to get high-quality health care is to find and use information and take an active role in all of the decisions made about your care.

Research has shown that patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care—and to have better results. Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners in improving your health care.

Give information. Don't wait to be asked!

• You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
• It is important to tell your doctor personal information—even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
• Bring a "health history" list with you, and keep it up to date. You might want to make a copy of the form for each member of your family.
• Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of those medicines (include when and how often you take them) and what strength. Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
• Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.
• Bring other medical information, such as X-ray films, test results and medical records.

Get information

• Ask questions. If you don't, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said.
• Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
• You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers.
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help to explain something.
• Take notes.
• Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape recorder to help you remember things. But always ask first.
• Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if you can call later to speak with someone.

Take information home

• Ask for written instructions.
• Your doctor also may have brochures and audio tapes and videotapes that can help you. If not, ask how you can get such materials.

Once you leave the doctor's office, follow up

• If you have questions, call.
• If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
• If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
• If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
• If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment.

Medical tests

Doctors order blood tests, X-rays and other tests to help diagnose medical problems. Perhaps you do not know why you need a particular test or you don't understand how it will help you. Here are some questions to ask:

• How is the test done?
• What kind of information will the test provide?
• Is this test the only way to find out that information?
• What are the benefits and risks of having this test?
• How accurate is the test?
• What do I need to do to prepare for the test? (What you do or don't do may affect the accuracy of the test results.)
• Will the test be uncomfortable?
• How long will it take to get the results, and how will I get them?
• What's the next step after the test?

Source: Tips for Talking with Your Doctor

We Have Answers
Do you have medical questions or need help finding a doctor? The experts at Columbia St.Mary’s can help. Click here.