How to Get What You Need from Your Health Care Provider
Organize your thoughts and concerns in writing before visiting the doctor., Bring someone with you if possible, especially if you can no longer drive (as opposed to taking a taxi)., Record the visit using a mini-recorder., Write down what the doctor...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Organize your thoughts and concerns in writing before visiting the doctor.
Having another ear is very, very helpful when your health is complicated. , If you don't have one, use a cell phone to call home and record it on your answering machine or voice mail.
Make sure you tell your doctor you are doing this because you tend to forget things.
Sometimes, they get uneasy when they see a recorder! , It's important that someone is in the room with you if you are planning a surgery or hearing important information about your health care. , This is very important, as each one must know what the other is doing so your care can be coordinated and understood by all parties , Although they usually ask what you are taking,they often don't read what is in front of them. , Pharmacists usually know more about the interactions of medications than doctors.
It's their specialty. , Doctors are very pressed for time but even if you've waited long passed your appointment time, you need to get the answers you came for, and you need their full attention while you are there.
Don't feel guilty or rushed; this is YOUR time with the provider. , Again, no need to feel embarrassed or guilty for 'taking up their time' It's your body, your health, and your concerns.
Plus, you are paying them plenty. , -
Step 2: Bring someone with you if possible
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Step 3: especially if you can no longer drive (as opposed to taking a taxi).
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Step 4: Record the visit using a mini-recorder.
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Step 5: Write down what the doctor says (even if you are recording it)or have the person who is with you write it down.
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Step 6: Request that the doctor you are seeing send the information he/she is giving you to your other providers.
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Step 7: Communicate with the doctor about the medications other providers prescribed so that everyone knows what is safe and what is not.
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Step 8: Double-check with your pharmacist about the medications you are taking and how they may affect one another.
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Step 9: Ask questions and request verification on things you don't understand.
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Step 10: Call the provider when you get home if a question arises after you left.
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Step 11: Be patient
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Step 12: positive and respectful
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Step 13: even if you are angry.This is difficult sometimes
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Step 14: but you will get much more accomplished with a smile and respect.
Detailed Guide
Having another ear is very, very helpful when your health is complicated. , If you don't have one, use a cell phone to call home and record it on your answering machine or voice mail.
Make sure you tell your doctor you are doing this because you tend to forget things.
Sometimes, they get uneasy when they see a recorder! , It's important that someone is in the room with you if you are planning a surgery or hearing important information about your health care. , This is very important, as each one must know what the other is doing so your care can be coordinated and understood by all parties , Although they usually ask what you are taking,they often don't read what is in front of them. , Pharmacists usually know more about the interactions of medications than doctors.
It's their specialty. , Doctors are very pressed for time but even if you've waited long passed your appointment time, you need to get the answers you came for, and you need their full attention while you are there.
Don't feel guilty or rushed; this is YOUR time with the provider. , Again, no need to feel embarrassed or guilty for 'taking up their time' It's your body, your health, and your concerns.
Plus, you are paying them plenty. ,
About the Author
Linda Young
Brings years of experience writing about creative arts and related subjects.
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