| 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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