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Health Information
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Saturday, November 22, 2008
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Find
more information about this topic from either the Web or the world's best
medical journals by using the search boxes at the top of this page.
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A
diagnosis
is the identification of a disease or physical problem. The doctor
makes a diagnosis based on the symptoms the patient is experiencing
and on the results of his or her examination, laboratory work, and
other tests.
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Questions
to ask your doctor about the diagnosis:
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What may have caused this condition? Will it be permanent?
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How is this condition treated or managed? What will be the long-term
effects on my life?
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How can I learn more about it?
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If
you understand your medical condition, you can help make better
decisions about treatment. If you know what to expect, it may be
easier for you to deal with the condition.
Ask the doctor
to tell you the name of the condition and why he or she thinks you
have it. Ask how it may affect your body, and how long it might
last. Some medical problems never go away completely. They can't
be cured, but they can be treated or managed. You may want to write
down what the doctor says to help you remember.
It is not unusual
to be surprised or upset by hearing you have a new medical problem.
Questions may occur to you later. When they do, make a note of them
for your next appointment.
Sometimes the
doctor may want you to talk with other health professionals who
can help you understand how to manage your condition. If you have
the chance to work with other health professionals, take advantage
of it. Also, find out how you can reach them if you have questions
later.
Talking
About Treatments
Although some
medical conditions do not require treatment, most can be helped
by medicine, surgery, changes in daily habits, or a combination
of these. You will benefit most from treatment when you know what
is happening and are involved in making decisions. If your doctor
suggests a treatment, be sure you understand what it will and won't
do and what it involves. Have the doctor give you directions in
writing, and feel free to ask questions.
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If
your doctor suggests a treatment that makes you uncomfortable,
ask if there are other treatments to consider. For example, if
the doctor recommends medicine for your blood pressure you may
want to ask if you can try lowering it through diet and exercise
first. If cost is a concern, ask the doctor if less expensive
choices are available. The doctor can work with you to develop
a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Making
the Most of Medications
Your doctor
may prescribe a drug for your condition. Make sure you know the
name of the drug and understand why it has been prescribed for
you. Ask the doctor to write down how often and how long you should
take it. Make notes about any other special instructions such
as foods or drinks you should avoid. If you are taking other medications,
make sure your doctor knows, so he or she can prevent harmful
drug interactions.
Sometimes
medicines affect older people differently than younger people.
Let the doctor know if your medicine doesn't seem to be working
or if it is causing problems. Don't stop taking it on your own.
If another doctor (for example, a specialist) prescribes a medication
for you, call your primary doctor to let him or her know. Also
call to check with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter
medications. You may find it helpful to keep a chart of all the
medicines you take and when you take them.
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Questions
to ask your doctor about treatment:
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How soon should treatment start? How long will it last?
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Are there other treatments available?
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How much will the treatment cost? Will my insurance cover it?
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Are there any risks associated with the treatment?
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Questions
to ask your doctor and pharmacist about medications:
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What are the common side effects? What should I pay attention
to?
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What should I do if I miss a dose?
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Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while taking
this medicine?
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The pharmacist
also is a good source of information about your medicines. In
addition to answering questions, the pharmacist keeps records
of all the prescriptions you get filled at that drug store. Because
your pharmacist keeps these records, it is helpful to use a regular
drug store.
A pharmacist
also can help you select over-the-counter medicines that are best
for you. At your request, the pharmacist can fill your prescriptions
in easy-to-open containers and may be able to provide large-print
prescription labels.
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For
Your Use
Name
of Drug |
What
It's For |
Color/
Shape |
Date
Started |
Doctor |
Dosage |
Instructions |
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Changing
Your Daily Habits
Doctors
and other health professionals may suggest you change your diet,
activity level, or other aspects of your life to help you deal
with medical conditions. Sometimes the doctor's suggestions may
not be acceptable to you. For example, the doctor might recommend
a diet that includes foods you cannot eat or do not like. Tell
your doctor if you don't feel a plan will work for you and explain
why. There may be other choices. Keep talking with your doctor
to come up with a plan that works.
Seeing
Specialists
Your doctor
may send you to a specialist for further evaluation. You also
may request to see one yourself, although your insurance company
may require that you have a referral from your primary doctor.
When you
see a specialist, ask that he or she send information about further
diagnosis or treatment to your primary doctor. This allows your
primary doctor to keep track of your medica care. You also should
let your primary doctor know at your next visit about any treatments
or medications the specialist recommended.
A visit to
the specialist may be short. Often, the specialist already has
seen your medical records or test results and is familiar with
your case. If you are unclear about what the specialist tells
you, ask him or her questions. For example, if the specialist
says that you have a medical condition that you aren't familiar
with, you may want to say, "I don't know very much about
that condition. Could you explain what it is and how it might
affect me?" or, "I've heard it's painful. What can be
done to prevent or manage the pain?" You also may ask for
written materials to read, or call your primary doctor to clarify
anything you haven't understood.
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Questions
to ask your doctor about changing your habits:
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How will this change help me?
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Do you have any reading material or videotapes on this topic?
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Are there support groups or community services that might help
me?
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Questions
to ask your specialist:
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What is your diagnosis?
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What treatment do you recommend? How soon do I need to begin the
new treatment?
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Will you discuss my care with my primary doctor?
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Questions
to ask your surgeon about surgery:
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What is the success rate of the operation? How many of these operations
have you done successfully?
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What problems occur with this surgery? What kind of pain and discomfort
can I expect?
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Will I have to stay in the hospital overnight. How long is recovery
expected to take? What does it involve?
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When
surgery is recommended, it is common for the patient to seek a
second opinion. In fact, your insurance company may require it.
Doctors are used to this practice, and most will not be insulted
by your request for a second opinion. Your doctor may even be
able to suggest other doctors who can review your case. Hearing
the views of two different doctors can help you decide what's
best for you.
If
You Are Hospitalized
If you have
to go to the hospital, some extra guidelines may help you. First,
most hospitals have a daily schedule. Knowing the hospital routine
can make your stay more comfortable. Find out how much choice
you have about your daily routine, and express any preferences
you have about your schedule. Doctors generally visit patients
during specific times each day. Find out when the doctor is likely
to visit so you can have your questions ready.
Surgery
In some cases,
surgery may be the best treatment for your condition. If so, your
doctor will refer you to a surgeon. Knowing more about the operation
will help you make an informed decision. It also will help you
get ready for the surgery, which, in turn, makes for a better
recovery. Ask the surgeon to explain what will be done during
the operation and what reading material or videotapes you can
look at before the operation. Find out if you will have to stay
overnight in the hospital to have the surgery, or if it can be
done on an outpatient basis. Minor surgeries that don't require
an overnight stay can sometimes be done at medical centers called
"ambulatory surgical centers."
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| Questions
to ask medical staff in the hospital:
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How long can I expect to be in the hospital?
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When will I see my doctor? What other doctors and health professionals
will I see?
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What is the daily routine in this part of the hospital?
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Questions
to ask medical staff in the emergency room:
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Will you talk to my primary doctor about my care?
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Do I need to arrange any further care?
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May I get instructions for further care in writing?
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In
the hospital, you may meet with your primary doctor and various
medical specialists, as well as nurses and other health professionals.
If you are in a teaching hospital, doctors-in-training, known
as medical students, interns, residents, and fellows, also may
examine you. Many of these doctors-in-training already have a
lot of knowledge. They may be able to take more time to talk with
you than other staff. Nurses also can be an important source of
information, especially since you will see them on a regular basis.
If
You Have to go to the Emergency Room
A visit
to the emergency room is always stressful. If possible, take along
the following items: your health insurance card or policy number,
a list of your medications, a list of your medical problems, and
the names and phone numbers of your doctor and one or two family
members or close friends. Some people find it helpful to keep
this information on a card in their wallets or purses.
While in
the emergency room, ask questions if you don't understand tests
or procedures that are being done. Before leaving, make sure you
understand what the doctor told you. For example, if you have
bandages that need to be changed, be sure you understand how and
when it is to be done. Tell your primary doctor as soon as possible
about your emergency room care.
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