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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 |
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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. 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:
I Dawna Smith Freelance Writer and Journalist Founder of HEADINGS |