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HEADINGS 

 

"Helping Elderly and Disabled in Need Gain Support"

 

  A West Virginia Based Advocacy Group

 

 

Monthly column featured in Two Lane Livin' Magazine - 2011 Archives

 

 

 

 

June 2011 - How Patients can communicate more effectively with their doctor  

People are often in a rush when visiting their doctor, as they’re either trying to get ready, get the family loaded into the vehicle, finishing up with work before leaving early to make the appointment on time, or forgot about it in the first place! Once there, tired from the drive, the wait, the dealing with family, or arguing with the boss about needing the time off, their minds are not usually prepared to talk with the physician.

The nurse quickly weighs the patient, whose blood pressure is rising from seeing how much they gained since the last visit, THEN takes the blood pressure reading, and before the cuff is deflated, sticks a thermometer into an ear to record the temperature. Unless the patient asks, most often the nurse records the results without sharing the information. So much for communication!

Now, the nurse dutifully asks why the patient is there, about current symptoms, medications and how taken. All is hand written down, some things possibly forgotten, that must be added. And then the patient waits for the Physician or the Physician’s Assistant, after being assured by the sign on the wall that mentions a PA is just as good as the Doctor. So why do patients have Doctor’s appointments? Why don’t they have Physician Assistant appointments? With this thought bouncing around in the brain, THE doctor steps into the room. Does the thought, “I must be really sick if I’m seeing the doctor this time” cross the patient’s mind? Hopefully not!

Time is of a premium at a doctor’s office because most physicians are limited to 15 minutes per patient. Utilizing a Physician’s Assistant allows them to treat more patients. But does it provide “more” care and time for the patient? Since a patient has limited time to share information during the appointment, it is imperative that the patient be prepared with a “copied” list of questions and concerns that you can read from and/or leave with the PA or doctor for additional follow up.

It’s always a good idea for a patient to bring along either a family member or close friend who is willing to attend the visit AND WILLING to pay attention to ensure important questions are asked and that the answers are provided and understood. Due to HIPPA rules regarding medical privacy concerns, prior to the appointment, if the patient desires, the patient can write a “permission slip” to be placed into their file stating that the person attending is allowed to be “privy” to the conversation and information regarding any tests results.

Tired of repeating the same information over and over again? Want to save time at the doctor’s office? Consider carrying, mailing beforehand, or faxing the following as a “typed list” to ensure clear communication with your doctor:

  1. A list of all medications, who prescribed, why, and when taken.
  2. Medical history, brief summary, including blood pressure, surgeries and hospitalizations
  3. Any medicine allergies, including latex.
  4. Implants, such as pace maker, insulin pumps, spinal cord stimulators, etc.
  5. A list of tests that have been taken and frequency, such as CAT scans, MRI’s, X-rays, etc. This can help prevent unnecessary radiation exposure. If the physician can request your last x-ray or CAT scan, it can help reduce your risk. You are not exposed to radiation when tested by MRI.
  6. A list of people authorized to speak to the doctor about your condition, including name, address, phone number and relationship to you.
  7. Any other item that would help the doctor to better understand and make a diagnosis.

I f you’re a caregiver, PLEASE find time for yourself. You’re just as important, probably more so, than the person receiving your care. It’s imperative that YOUR health come first. We’ll be providing helpful resource information, caring tips, and more. So, be sure to read next month’s column! For additional information, please visit http://www.headingswv.com.

Dawna Smith

Freelance Writer and Journalist

Founder of HEADINGS