SPEAK UP AT YOUR NEXT CHECK-UP
Tips for Talking with Your Doctors
Patients who are unprepared or too anxious to talk to their doctor about what ails them could hurt their chances for effective treatment.
"It's so important for patients to properly explain their symptoms when visiting their doctor," said Dr. Aaron Kauhane, a family physician at Straub Clinic & Hospital, who also advises doctors to ask the right questions and encourage a dialogue with patients. "Good communication between patients and doctors is crucial for successful diagnosis and treatment."
Part of the challenge for patients seeking to maximize their visit to the doctor's is time. The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey conducted in 2005 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this summer that the length of the average office visit was a little longer than 19 minutes.
Recognizing this time crunch and some patients' difficulty with describing their symptoms, Kauhane and other physicians at Hawaii Pacific Health offer these tips for effective communication and ensuring better diagnosis and treatment:Bring a buddy. An accompanying family member or friend can help nervous or sick patients hear and understand more of what the doctor is saying.
Make a list. A prepared list of symptoms and questions can help patients feel more at ease and, more importantly, lead to better diagnosis and treatment.
Be honest. Some patients are too embarrassed or scared to fully disclose certain health issues or aspects of their lifestyle. Doctors are bound by federal law to keep medical and personal information confidential.
Don't be afraid to ask questions. Doctors and other clinical staff understand a patient's need for further information, and it is their job to give it.
Understand what you are getting yourself into. Patients who are prescribed tests or procedures should understand the reason behind them, how they work and what the possible outcomes are.
Know what you are putting in your body. Many patients do not fully understand the possible side effects or drug interactions of the medicine they're prescribed. Patients should have doctors explain the need for the medicine, dosage, and any precautions and recommendations.
