Get the Most From Your Doctor Visits
March 26, 2009 by Jo
Filed under Health, Managing Life, Preventative Medicine
With our worsening global economic situation, it is even more important to actively manage our health from a preventive approach. By pursuing this approach, we can hopefully avoid large expenses in our health care.This approach requires that you take a more pro-active role in your doctor-patient relationship.
If you want to become a better-informed patient and get the most out of your doctor’s visits, here are some tips that were presented at a forum sponsored by Harvard Medical School:
• Bring along a family member or close friend when you see your doctor. Having another person there to listen carefully may help both you and your doctor when making decisions about your care.
• If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor, speak with a nurse.
• Be aware there may be other options, even if your doctor offers only one treatment choice. Ask your doctor to outline all available treatments for your condition.
• Set the terms of the patient-doctor relationship. If you find your doctor is too deferential or too bossy, tell your doctor. If the situation doesn’t change, consider switching doctors.
• Consider your priorities. Medical decisions often require trade-offs. Talk with your doctor about your preferences and values.
• Use the Internet to learn more. You do have to be careful, but you can find a lot of credible health information on the Web.
• Get copies of your medical records. It’s your right and can help you become a fully informed patient.
• Bring a tape recorder when you visit your doctor. Listening to the recording after your appointment may help you understand things you didn’t comprehend during your visit.
• Find a doctor you like, and don’t feel you have to stay with a doctor you don’t like or don’t trust.
It is important that you take an active role in the relationship with your medical specialists. Be in control of your health.
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