How To Talk To Your Doctor

[Self Care Articles: How to Talk to Your Doctor]

It is sometimes difficult to get the maximum out of a visit to a health-care provider. It is easy to forget to ask all the questions. And, it can be difficult to know what to say. MIU has produced Take Charge of Your Health to help you through the process.

MIU offers the following suggestions from Take Charge of Your Health.:

A. Preparation for the visit.

1. All symptoms are important to your doctor, even if they seem insignificant to you. The American Society of Internal Medicine has concluded that 70% of correct diagnoses depend entirely upon what patients tell their physicians.

2. List all symptoms ahead of time. It helps to note dates and the length of time that they occur.

3. Writing your symptoms on a calendar might be the easiest way to keep track of them.

4. Associate what causes your symptoms to come and go, and document this.

5. Tell the doctor if others in your family, school, or work place have similar symptoms.

6. List all medicine, vitamins or preparations you have taken to treat your symptoms. Document the dosage and length of time that you have taken them.

7. List all medications, the dose and duration taken for other conditions.

8. Report any significant stresses you have had over the past six months.

9. Jot down all your questions, and bring them with you to your appointment.

10. Review your symptoms and questions before your appointment.

B. The visit with your doctor.

1. Arrive well organized. Remember, there is nothing too personal to discuss.

2. Some people bring a relative or friend who can help remember questions to ask the doctor, or remember answers from the doctor.

3. Tell your doctor you have questions to ask. Bring a pad and pen to take notes. Or, use a small tape recorder.

4. Describe symptoms specifically.

5. If you do not understand what your physician tells you, ask your physician to rephrase it or explain it again. Asking for a summary at the end of the visit can be very helpful.

6. You should know at least the following information at the end of your appointment:

What is my diagnosis? Is this a certain diagnosis or are other conditions possible?

What caused this condition? Is my condition contagious? Is this a genetically linked disease? Are others in my family at risk?

What is the course of the condition? I.e., will I get worse? How long until I get better? Is this condition likely to recur? Are there complications or after effects to this condition?

What tests are necessary to further establish the diagnosis or determine the extent or severity of my condition? How reliable are these tests and what additional information do they provide to what we already know? What are the drawbacks to these tests (e.g., discomfort, cost, risks)? What is the risk if I do not take the tests or postpone taking the tests? When will you call me with the results?

What are the treatment options? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each approach? What treatment do you recommend?

With the chosen treatment, how long will it be until I get results? If I am not getting results, when should I call you? If this is a medication, what is the dosage and how often do I take the treatment? What is the proprietary and generic names of the medication? Is it appropriate for me to take a generic version? If this is a single dose in a 24-hour period, is there a best time to take it? What are the side effects? What interactions are there with foods or other medications? If I experience any adverse reactions, what should I do? If I miss any doses what should I do? Are there any activities that I should not participate in while taking the medication?

What can I do to prevent this condition from recurring or from being as severe if it does recur? Should I change things in my life style? For example, stop smoking or drinking alcohol; get more exercise, change my diet? If so, can you give me any advice on how to make these changes? How much of a change do I need to make, and when will I see a difference in my condition?

7. Ask your physician for additional information, support, or reference materials.

8. For further information, search the World Wide Web or consult a medical information broker such as Medical Information Unlimited. We can help you find information on all aspects of your disease, including definitions, support groups, books, films, and clinical trials. Please click here to see the Medical Information Searches page.

C. If you get disturbing news from your doctor.

1. If words like "recovery" are used, ask what that means in terms of your lifestyle.

2. Ask for written information on all procedures, surgeries and treatments.

3. It is shocking and difficult to comprehend disturbing news. Take notes. Consider bringing a friend or family member with you

4. If you have been told you have cancer, ask how advanced it is and how likely it is to have spread. If elaborate surgery and treatment has been suggested, ask about your prognosis with and without that treatment. What are the risks, the benefits, and the probable outcome including changes in lifestyles.

5. Understand all your treatment options. Take the time you need to make any big decision about the treatment suggested.

6. Get a second opinion from the most highly qualified, licensed health-care professional that you can find. You can find a second opinion by contacting your local medical society or your nearest medical school. In some areas, physicians who make a frequent habit of being asked as a second opinion, list themselves as such in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book. Ask if the physician is certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties.

D. Need a second opinion?

Competent physicians are not insulted when patients ask for a second opinion. Nevertheless, be tactful. Remember that physicians are human too. Consultation is a time honored part of practicing medicine. It is valuable to have two medical professionals view the same condition and arrive at independent diagnostic impressions and evaluations of treatments. Many insurance companies require a confirming opinion before some elective surgical procedures. Sometimes Medicare and Medicaid also require a second opinion.

Even if a second opinion confirms the original opinion, there is often added value. It may give you more confidence in the options available. Patients with more confidence are more likely to be more reconciled and compliant with treatments. And, importantly, with a second opinion, the final decision about treatment is now in your hands.