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What
Can I Do?
Tips
for Good Communication
A
basic plan can help you communicate better with your doctor,
whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with
the doctor you've been visiting. The following tips can help
you and your doctor build a partnership.
Getting
Ready for Your Appointment
Be
prepared: make a list of your concerns--Before
going to the doctor, make a list of what you want to discuss
. For example, are you having a new symptom you want to tell
the doctor about? Did you want to get a flu shot or pneumonia
vaccine? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them
in order so you are sure to ask about the most important ones
first. Take along any information the doctor or staff may need
such as insurance cards, names of your other doctors, or your
medical records. Some doctors suggest you put all your medicines
in a bag and bring them with you, others recommend bringing
a list of medications you take.
Make
sure you can see and hear as well as possible --Many older
people use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take
your eyeglasses to the doctor's visit. If you have a hearing
aid, make sure that it is working well, and wear it. Let the
doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing.
For example, you may want to say, "My hearing makes it
hard to understand everything you're saying. It helps a lot
when you speak slowly."
Consider
bringing a family member or friend --Sometimes it is helpful
to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your
family member or friend know in advance what you want from your
visit. The person can remind you what you planned to discuss
with the doctor if you forget, and can help you remember what
the doctor said.
Plan
to update the doctor--Think of any important information
you need to share with your doctor about things that have happened
since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency
room, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have
noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also
tell the doctor about any recent changes in the medication you
take or the effect it has had on you.
Your doctor may ask you how your life is going. This isn't just
polite talk or an attempt to be nosy. Information about what's
happening in your life may be useful medically. Let the doctor
know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such
as a divorce or the death of a loved one. You don't have to
go into detail; you may just want to say something like, "I
thought it might be helpful for you to know that my sister passed
away since my last visit with you," or "I had to sell
my home and move in with my daughter."
Summary:
Getting Ready for Your Appointment
•
Be prepared: make a list of concerns.
•
Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible.
•
Consider bringing a family member or friend.
•
Plan to update the doctor.
Sharing
Information With Your Doctor
Be
honest--It is tempting to say what you think the doctor
wants to hear; for example, that you smoke less or eat a more
balanced diet than you really do. While this is natural, it's
not in your best interest. Your doctor can give you the best
treatment only if you say what is really going on.
Stick
to the point--Although your doctor might like to talk with
you at length, each patient is given a limited amount of time.
To make the best use of your time, stick to the point. Give
the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started,
how often it happens, and if it is getting worse or better.
Ask
questions--Asking questions is key to getting what you want
from the visit. If you don't ask questions, your doctor may
think that you understand why he or she is sending you for a
test or that you don't want more information. Ask questions
when you don't know the meaning of a word (like aneurysm, hypertension,
or infarct) or when instructions aren't clear (e.g., does taking
medicine with food mean before, during, or after a meal?). You
might say, "I want to make sure I understand. Could you
explain that a little further?" It may help to repeat what
you think the doctor means back in your own words and ask, "Is
this correct?" If you are worried about cost, say so.
Share
your point of view--Your doctor needs to know what's working
and what's not. He or she can't read your mind, so it is important
for you to share your point of view . Say if you feel rushed,
worried, or uncomfortable. Try to voice your feelings in a positive
way. For example, "I know you have many patients to see,
but I'm really worried about this. I'd feel much better if we
could talk about it a little more." If necessary, you can
offer to return for a second visit to discuss your concerns.
Summary:
Sharing Information With Your Doctor
•
Be honest.
•
Stick to the point.
•
Ask questions.
•
Share your point of view.
Getting
Information From Your Doctor and Other Health Professionals
Take
notes--It can be difficult to remember what the doctor says,
so take along a note pad and pencil and write down the main
points, or ask the doctor to write them down for you. If you
can't write while the doctor is talking to you, make notes in
the waiting room after the visit. Or, bring a tape recorder
along, and (with the doctor's permission) record what is said.
Recording is especially helpful if you want to share the details
of the visit with others.
Get
written or recorded information--Whenever possible, have
the doctor or staff provide written advice and instructions.
Ask if your doctor has any brochures, cassette tapes, or videotapes
about your health conditions or treatments. For example, if
your doctor says that your blood pressure is high, he or she
may give you brochures explaining what causes high blood pressure
and what you can do about it. Some doctors have videocassette
recorders for viewing tapes in their offices. Ask the doctor
to recommend other sources, such as public libraries, nonprofit
organizations, and government agencies, which may have written
or recorded materials you can use.
Remember
that doctors don't know everything--Even the best doctor
may be unable to answer some questions. There still is much
we don't know about the human body, the aging process, and disease.
Most doctors will tell you when they don't have answers. They
also may help you find the information you need or refer you
to a specialist. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions
or symptoms as simply part of aging, think about looking for
another doctor.
Talk
to other members of the health care team --Today, health
care is a team effort. Other professionals, including nurses,
physician assistants, pharmacists, and occupational or physical
therapists, play an active role in your health care. These professionals
may be able to take more time with you.
Summary:
Getting Information From Your Doctor and Other Health Professionals
•
Take notes.
•
Get written or recorded information.
•
Remember that doctors don't know everything.
•
Talk to other members of the health care team.
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