Useful Guide to Making the Most of Your Doctor
The best way to ensure you get the right medical care and health information from your doctor is through effective communication. What this boils down to is having mutual respect, and managing expectations.
The following guide will help you develop the best relationship possible with your doctor.
The Good Patient (You)
Here is a list of top tips to make sure you’re on the right track with your medical practitioner:
Value Time
The time that a doctor can allocate per appointment to each patient is between 8-10 minutes or 16-20 minutes. The difference is determined by such factors as your condition, whether the doctor is primary care or a specialist and your health insurance. It’s important to understand that a doctor has many patients to see each day, so their time is limited.
Be Concise
Because your doctor has limited time, make the most of it by preparing the questions you want to ask before your appointment and always stick to the facts at hand. This will ensure your doctor has all the important information about your condition and has time to answer all your questions thoroughly. It’s also a wise idea to bring a friend along – they could pick up on anything you’ve missed or even ask questions you’re too embarrassed to raise.
In addition, to save time, it’s important to know which questions not to ask the doctor. For example, directions to a testing centre, the time of your next appointment, or where you should park your car are best asked at reception. By keeping your doctor purely focussed on your medical treatment, you’ll make the most of their time.
Demand Clarity
Doctors tend to use baffling medical terms – don’t be shy, make sure you ask him/her to clarify anything you don’t understand.
Banish Interruptions
There have been studies which show that doctors tend to interrupt their patients within 18 seconds from the start of their conversation. If he/she interrupts you, politely ask them to listen to your full list of symptoms, or respectfully insist they listen to your entire question. Sometimes all that’s needed is to gently hold up your hand to alert your doctor that they need to stop interrupting and listen to you more thoroughly.
Treatment Expectations
Whether before, during or after the diagnosis and treatment of your condition, it’s crucial to always ask your doctor what will happen next in the process. This will help you better understand what is going on and what your potential outcomes might be. It will also give you more confidence that your medical care is properly in hand.
The Good Doctor
Now let’s look at some of the key points that let you know you’re in good hands for your medical needs:
Respect
Good doctors will respect and understand that a sick or injured patient is vulnerable, so they will help you explain your symptoms and be clear on choosing the best course of treatment for your needs.
Plain Speak
While doctors can tend to talk in confusing medical terms as explained above, a good practitioner will convey and explain information in a way you can fully understand.
Thoroughness
Any doctor worth their salt will understand that if they don’t explain everything thoroughly, you will end up needing another appointment, which amounts to a waste of both your and their time. Thus, another sign of a good doctor is that they will listen and provide explanations carefully.
Managing Expectations
If a doctor is effective, they will manage your expectations by keeping you fully up to speed with the steps involved in your treatment and what the possible outcomes will be. This will give you confidence that you’re on the right track and prevent any disappointments.
Conclusion
There are times when despite your best efforts, you will still feel that you and your doctor are not on the same page. Sometimes it simply boils down to a clash of personalities. In that case, you might want to look for a new doctor. All in all, it’s always a good idea to spend time on your own researching the health information that relates to your concerns – the good news is that these days, expert advice is easily available online. If you do some ground work, you’ll better be able to explain your condition and be involved in your treatment.
About the Author: Angela Cilano is a health information researcher.
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