Good communication is crucial if you’re going to get the best medical care from your healthcare team.
When You Call the Doctor
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If you need to call your doctor because of illness or new symptoms that concern you, here is a partial list of some information you will want to have ready to share.
- pulse: irregular? fast?
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- heartbeat: normal? racing? thumping?
- nausea? vomiting?
- numbness or loss of function?
- lightheadedness?
- fever? what temperature?
- pain: where? how long? how severe? what caused it? what makes it better? is it sharp? dull? throbbing? steady?
- any recent new doctors: any new doctors you’ve seen since your last visit? new diagnoses? new medications prescribed? new tests performed with results? new medical treatment recommended?
- medicines you’re taking now - prescription, over the counter, herbs or other supplements.
Check with your doctor ahead of time to determine which information your doctor would like you to provide, if you need to call your doctor between appointments.
Before Your Routine Appointment
It’s important to come prepared for your doctor’s appointment, in order to get the most value out of the visit.
- Do your homework before you visit your doctor. Although the doctor is trained to find out what’s wrong with you, it’s up to you to be proactive and make sure no symptoms are missed.
- Make a list of items you want to discuss. Don’t leave your questions to memory; you may forget or be too nervous to bring them up during the visit.
- Write down any symptoms or changes in your condition, and bring your prescriptions or a list of all medications with dosages and times taken, including herbs and supplements.
- Fill your doctor in on information about your lifestyle: Social and fitness routines? Are you a vegetarian? Allergic to any foods or medicines? Do you have strong feelings or religious restrictions about any treatment?
- Are you having trouble taking your medication as prescribed: forgetting to take the medication? experiencing side effects?
Providing a Clear Picture
All too often a patient is embarrassed to share the whole picture with the doctor, such as they may be experiencing forgetfulness, incontinence, or haven’t been taking their medication as prescribed because they can’t afford it.
When you see a doctor the process is like putting a jig saw puzzle together. The more pieces of the puzzle the doctor has, the more likely the doctor will be to determine what’s wrong and how to best help.
You have a better chance of getting an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan, if the doctor knows everything that you know about your condition and symptoms.
Your First Visit - Advance Preparation
Make sure your doctor has your medical records. You may need to have them transferred from another office.
Write down information you’ll need to fill out the doctor’s questionnaire, including
- prior illnesses
- hospitalizations
- accidents
- operations
- allergies
- medications and dosages taken
- insurance company name and policy number
At the Doctor’s Office
If possible, ask a friend or family member to accompany you to your appointment in order to take notes for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask the doctor to explain anything you don’t understand.
Write down instructions you think you might forget, or ask the doctor to write them down for you.
Ask straight forward, specific questions about your condition.
Here are some examples:
- What’s wrong with me?
- What tests if any are being ordered and why?
- If medication is being given ask why, and inquire if there could be any side effects.
- Ask if there might be a problem combining your current medications with the new prescription(s).
- Ask if there is a generic form of this medication, which is usually less expensive?
- What are other options to treat your condition?
- What are the risks and benefits of each treatment?
- What is your prognosis?
- How soon can you expect to start seeing an improvement?
- What should you do if I don’t begin to feel better?
After You Go Home
- Follow the doctor’s instructions for treatments or new medicines exactly. If you don’t understand something, or are unable to follow the directions for any reason, call your doctor.
- Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion.
Other Useful Information
- Get a list of the specialists on your healthcare team and what they do, so you can address your questions to the right person.
- Carry a list of your medications and dosages with you at all times.
A “File of Life” is a medical information packet designed to provide Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians with the necessary medical information to begin immediate treatment.
The File of Life packet has a magnet on the back of the packet to allow you to stick your completed packet on your refrigerator door. Police and EMS are trained to look on the refrigerator when they respond to a 911 call.
It is also a good idea to make copies of this information to keep in your wallet and the glove compartment of your car next to your car registration, in case of an emergency.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
Additional Information
For more information, or to request an initial consultation, please contact:
Linda Ziac, LPC, LADC, BCPC, CEAP, CCM, CDP
The Caregiver Resource Center
