Listen Up: Improving the Doctor-Patient Relationship (Part 2)
Advice for the doctor and patient.
In my earlier episode, found by clicking HERE, I focused on the stress both patient and doctor can feel in a medical visit. Poor communication can cause stress. Stress can cause illness. Here are some suggestions for improving communication with your doctor so you can start being healthier right away.
1. Don’t confuse the doctor and the nurse.
At your doctor’s office, the nurse’s most important job is to ask you the reason for your visit. This is called recording the Chief Complaint. It should be one sentence long. Maybe two. Don’t elaborate your complaint to the nurse. If you tell the details to the nurse, they won’t write it down because it isn’t their job. It’s the doctor’s job. You will wind up telling the same story twice. It leads to real frustration and wastes your time and the office’s time. Save your story details for the doctor. Let the nurse take your blood pressure (and the dreaded weight) and move on.
2. Come to your visit with an accurate list of your medications.
Your nurse’s second most important job is to update your current medication list. Always keep an updated copy with you either in paper form or on your phone. Sometimes, your doctor’s office will ask you to bring all your medication bottles with you to your visit. Bringing your bottles helps them know what you are actually taking.
3. Come to your visit with a list of all the questions you thought up for your doctor between visits.
It actually streamlines your visit with your doctor and helps your visit stay focused on the problems and questions that are important to you. I keep my list on my reminder app on my phone, and I call it “Discuss with Doctor.” You can use a small pocket notebook if you prefer. Your health is important. It’s so satisfying to be able to have all your questions answered.
4. Speak up if needed.
If you don’t think your doctor is prepared for your visit or isn’t listening to you, speak up. Most of the time, your lists and your preparation for your visit will prime your doctor to respect your time, as it shows you respect theirs.
5. Give the doctor PROMPT notice if you have to cancel.
People who need help are waiting to get appointments, and you serve them and your doctor when you give the office a chance to fill your missed spot. It’s respectful and will definitely help your doctor-patient relationship. And don’t worry, I will discuss reasons why delays happen at the doctor’s office in future episodes.
These are all the tips I have for today. As always, thank you for being curious. Subscribe and share if so inclined.