Talking to your doctor can be intimidating and difficult.
You may not know what questions to ask or your doctor may be the type who does all the talking while you listen and nod a lot.
Do you leave your doctor's office frustrated and confused?It is important that you have a relationship with your doctor that allows you to ask questions.
You should be able to work with your doctor to determine the course of treatment that is best for you.
Your doctor should not be the only one making decisions regarding your health, you should have a say as well.
There are some things that you can do to make communication with your doctor easier and more effective.
Arrive at your doctor's office organized and prepared.
If you are not feeling well, jot down a list of your symptoms.
Educate yourself on your condition and learn some related medical terms so that your doctor won't be speaking Greek when he talks to you.
Bring a list of your medications and the dosages with you and include any health supplements and vitamins.
If you are seeing the doctor for the first time, bring your medical records, insurance card and other important information.
Also, arrive early to fill out paperwork.
Bring with you a list of questions to ask your doctor.
Bring a pen and paper to make notes as he or she answers your questions.
This checklist may help you: Initial Exam oWhat is wrong with me? oHow did you arrive at that conclusion? oWhat caused this condition?How did I get sick? Testing oDo I need to have any tests run? oWhat tests will I need to have done? oWhat will these tests tell you about my condition? oWhat do the tests involve? oDo the tests require any preparation? oHow long will the tests take? oWhen can I find out the results of the tests? oDo I need to call or make an appointment to go over the results of the tests? oDoes my insurance cover these tests? oWill I only need to take the tests once or multiple times? Treatment and Medication oWhat treatment options do I have? oWhich treatment is the most popular for my condition? oWhat are the benefits of the treatment or medication?What are the risks? oDoes the treatment or medication have any side effects?Do they go away after a while of undergoing the treatment?What should I do if I experience any side effects? oDoes the medication have a generic version? oWill the medication or treatment interact with other medications or treatments that I am currently undergoing? oShould I avoid certain over the counter medications, foods or activity while taking the medication or undergoing the treatment? oWhat is the effectiveness of the treatment?How effective are other treatments? oIf the treatment fails, what is my next course of action? Follow-Up oDo I need to make a follow up appointment? oDo I need to see a specialist? oShould I get a second opinion on the diagnosis?On the treatment? Talking to your doctor does not have to be difficult.
These questions should help you open the door to more effective communication between you and your health care practitioner.
As you read the questions, you may think of some of your own.
Add them and don't be afraid to ask all the questions that you need to make you feel secure about your treatment and your condition.
After all, this is your health on the line.