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A patient’s duties
Good health care depends upon a good partnership between a patient and a health care provider.
A partnership is a two-way street. Patients bear some of the load. Patients must explain clearly their discomfort or pain.
It’s not enough to say “I don’t feel well.” That doesn’t provide a doctor enough information to make a diagnosis. Doctors are trained to ask people about the details of their medical condition, but sometimes they don’t ask the right questions or ask them in the right way.
Here are a few hints to make a visit to the doctor more productive:
Be specific in your complaints
How do you not feel well? Does your head ache? Does your chest hurt? Do you have a sore that has not healed?
Tell the doctor when the problem started and how or if it has changed over time. Providing detailed information helps the doctor put together a puzzle with as many pieces as possible. Although it may seem like the doctor asks a lot of questions, keep in mind that the more information you share the easier it is to pinpoint the problem.
Being clear about pain is especially important. Pain is subjective — no one else but you can define it. But there are different types of pains and each type may indicate a different problem. Being specific is important.
What does the pain feel like — is it dull or sharp, mild or severe? Do you experience it only when performing a specific activity or do you feel it all the time, even at rest? Is it a throbbing pain or is it steady? Does it stay in one place or does it spread to other parts?
Describe the pain in your own words even if it sounds silly. Telling the doctor that the pain feels like a toothache or like a sledgehammer hitting you is very helpful information. The doctor now has a very good idea of what you are feeling. This description helps narrow down the choices and potential treatments.
Most back pains, for instance, are caused by muscle strains or pulls and can be treated with over the counter pain medicine and exercise, while severe radiating pain may indicate the need for stronger pain medication and other interventions.
Make a list, ask questions and take notes
Making a list of your concerns, including everything from specific pains to medical definitions, is a helpful tool for you and your doctor. It keeps the visit on track and provides a quick reminder should you forget to bring up a subject.
Asking questions is critical. Though some doctors have a difficult time translating complicated medical terms and conditions into simple ordinary language, keep asking questions until you feel you understand the doctor’s answers. If you still don’t understand, ask the doctor to draw a diagram to provide further clarification. If you do not ask questions, the doctor may assume that you understand his explanation.
Make a list of your medications
Be sure to include herbal medicines, such as Saw Palmetto (prostate) or Glucosamine (osteoarthritis) and over the counter (OTC) drugs. Herbal and OTC drugs can be quite powerful. There is a common misconception that, because they are available without a doctor’s prescription, they are not really strong. Not so. Remember that many drugs now available OTC have previously been prescription drugs. Their ease of access has not necessarily reduced their potency. Also, you have to be very careful about drug interactions. A herbal drug may interact with a prescription drug, so it is important to mention all medications, whether or not they require a prescription. In addition, tell the doctor about any allergies or reactions to medications you may have experienced.
Take a list of your health history with you
It is possible that a previous illness has a bearing on your present complaint. Keep track of your own medical history using a notebook or journal to record your past illnesses, symptoms, and their treatments. Also record your previous hospitalizations, tests, surgeries, and medications. Ask your immediate family members about their medical history and write it down. Your risk of some diseases, such as breast and prostate cancers, is higher if a sibling or parent has the illness.
Share personal information
The doctor has heard it all before — no need to be embarrassed. Private as it may be to you the doctor may need to know the situation to help remedy the current complaint. Remember that the information you share is confidential and will be discussed only with others involved in your treatment. Describe your personal life style as well. If you smoke or drink, are a vegetarian or a marathon runner, that information is very valuable.
Familiarize yourself with screening tests appropriate for your age, race, sex, and risk. If your doctor does not mention the tests — ask for them.
Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure you understand all that has been discussed. If there are instructions for you to follow, ask the doctor to write them or to provide a handout. Obtain brochures and other written material on your diagnosis.
Follow-up
After you leave the office, call if you have additional questions, if your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with the medication. Call if you have not received the results of your tests. Although the doctor or his office should follow up with you on such matters, it is not unusual for timely feedback to fall through the cracks. Take the situation in your own hands. Remember that this is a partnership. If the doctor’s office fails to act, it is your responsibility to step up. |
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