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How to Talk with Your Doctor

Heidi Wold, MSN, ARNP
Executive Director


Talking with your healthcare professional on a good day can be tough. Talking with your healthcare professional when you or a loved one is sick, can be even more challenging.  Good news: We have resources to help you! We will outline some important “talking points” below from the AARP website to assist you. In addition, following the AARP “talking points”, we are providing several other websites you may wish to access for additional ‘tips’ in talking with your Doctor.

From the AARP Staying Health website:

Patient + Physician = A Healthy Partnership

  1. Your doctor has very little time to spend with you (the average time is 17 minutes).
  2. Often you wait some time to see your doctor. As you are ultimately responsible for getting the answers you need from your doctor, use your waiting time to prepare questions and remember concerns.
  3. Equip yourself with the basic tools that will enhance your visit and give you the information you need about your healthcare.
  4. A good relationship between you and the doctor will allow you to engage in helpful and informative conversations and make the best health care decisions for you.
  5. Prior to your visit with the doctor, jot down notes about your health concerns, changes in health, vital signs, treatment plan changes, questions about medications, and instructions for taking and refilling medications. During your visit, be certain to keep track of these answers.
  6. Also, prior to your visit, prepare yourself and write down all of your questions. Have a notepad and pen ready to capture all the information your doctor shares with you.
  7. Rehearse your questions and prepare necessary follow-up ones before your appointment.
  8. Know your medical history and be able to discuss it with your doctor.
  9. Grant permission to someone to have access to your medical information (such as a spouse) if your health situation is complicated.
  10. Be sure to take an accurate and up to date listing of all medications you are currently taking (including vitamins) with dosages and frequency.
  11. Try to arrive early to ease stress and to further prepare for the visit if necessary.

When you actually meet with your doctor, here are some tips to follow in order to take full advantage of the time allotted:

  1. If you are experiencing health problems, let your doctor know right away.
  2. Do not let your doctor leave you until you are satisfied that you have gotten all of the information you need.
  3. Do not downplay your symptoms or health concerns.
  4. Be sure your doctor is fully knowledgeable of your health care and is directing and coordinating treatment provided by other doctors.
  5. Make sure you have your insurance information and (if you are seeing a new doctor) your medical records with you.
  6. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and even be a little “pushy” to get an appointment and any necessary follow-up.

Effectively Asking Questions:

Ask about a diagnosis:

  • What may have caused this condition?
  • Will this be permanent?
  • How do I treat or manage this condition?
  • Are there other treatments that could be explored?
  • Do you have educational material concerning this condition?

Ask about a medical test:

  • Why do I have to have this test?
  • What are the steps of the test?
  • Is there preparation for the test?
  • What are the dangers or side effects, if any?

Ask About Medications:

  • What is the name of the medicine and how is it spelled?
  • When should I start taking it?
  • What is the correct dose and when do I take it?
  • Why am I taking it and how will it help me?
  • What are the side effects and what do I do if I have them?
  • What should I do if I miss a dose?
  • Should I take it at meals or in between meals?
  • Should I drink a full glass of water with it?
  • Are there foods, drugs, alcohol, or activities to avoid while taking it?
  • How long do I need to stay on it?
  • Will I need to get the prescription refilled; and if so, how do I do it?

Additional Helpful Websites

1. How to Talk To Your Doctor
http://www.aarp.org/health/staying_healthy/prevention/a2003-03-13-talkdr.html

2. Talking With Your Doctor
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/talkingwithyourdoctor.html

3. Tips For Talking With Your Doctor
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/pat-advocacy/healthcare/837.printerview.html

4. Navigating the Health Care System: Talking About End-of-Life Treatment Decisions
http://www.ahrg.gov/consumer/cc/cc070709.html

Evercare is an award winning case management company that specializes in providing care coordination for its Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans and state Medicaid contracted Long Term Care health plan members. For more information, please go to our website at www.evercarehealthplans.com or contact us at 1-800-905-8671.