You should not be afriad to ask your doctor questions about your health and well being.
Talking to a doctor can be a daunting proposition for many people. There is a fear that asking questions may appear silly or a waste of time. Doctors, however, do not typically feel that way and almost all of them encourage their patients to come to them with any and all questions that they may have. Knowing prepare and ask your doctors the questions you seek answers to and the help you need will provide you with an overall better relationship with your physician.
Instructions
1. Schedule an appointment with your doctor. Make it clear to the receptionist or appointment scheduler that you need an appointment to talk with your doctor about a few key medical questions that you have and explain that you are seeking your doctors input and help. Request either an in office appointment or a phone consultation. Write down the date and time of the scheduled appointment.
2. Make a detailed list of all medical conditions that you currently have and any in your past. Make the list so the information flows in chronological order. For example, you would list that you had a child in 1998 and then a hysterectomy in 2002 and your appendix out in 2006. Make your list as detailed as possible so that your doctor can review your medical history.
3. Make a detailed list of all questions or concerns that you have and all topics that you need help with. For example, if you are a pre-menopausal woman and are concerned about symptoms and signs of menopause; you would write down questions such as: What are the first signs of menopause? What are some signs that mask themselves as menopause but should be a cause for concern? What are some treatment options that I can start now to counteract the effects of menopause?
4. Compile research such as articles and fact sheets about topics that you want to discuss. For example, if you need to talk to your doctor about alternate treatments for diabetes you would print out information by an accredited association such as the American Diabetes Association. Highlight areas of the information printed so that you remember what you need to discuss.
5. Get a good nights sleep before your discussion with your doctor. Do not be afraid to ask follow up questions or ask your doctor to clarify things said to you that you do not understand. Remember that your doctor is there to help you with your overall health and knowledge is a part of your total well being.
Tags: your doctor, with your, with your doctor, detailed list, doctor about, help with
