For most of us, when we were growing up, we were taught that you go
to the doctor, you describe your symptoms, you get medicine, you feel better.
When a person develops a chronic medical illness, this does not work (which
makes the illness chronic). People generally do not feel comfortable in
the doctor's office, and tend to take a passive role and not fully explain
symptoms or ask questions.
The suggestions below have proven to be helpful: |
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Make a list of questions for your doctor. This list should be in an easy-to-find
location so that you can jot down questions as they come to you. DO NOT
make this list in a matter of minutes. Take your time!
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TAKE THE LIST WITH YOU TO YOUR APPOINTMENT!
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Make sure you ask all of the questions on your list and that you are sure
you understand your doctor's answers to your questions. Write down the
answers as they are given to you!
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If you have difficulty writing, TAKE A PORTABLE TAPE RECORDER to your appointment
with you. Then, you have the doctor's responses on tape so you can listen
to them later.
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If you have symptoms that "come and go" or you experience a variety of
symptoms, it may be helpful to keep a log of your symptoms to see if there
are any patterns or "triggers" for your symptoms.
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Do some research ahead of time! Use the internet, go to the library, GET
INFORMATION so you can make informed decisions!
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Oftentimes, people with chronic illnesses will be given choices about medications
or treatments to try. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of each
of the medications or treatments.
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Unless it is an emergency situation, schedule another appointment with
your doctor.
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In the meantime, do your own research on each of the medications or treatments
you can choose from.
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Write down your questions or concerns about each of the options you have,
and then discuss this with your doctor during your next appointment.
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Doing this will give you more control over your own health care and you
will be involved in the decision-making process!
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Instead of immediately going to the examining table and sitting down, sit
down in a chair in the office. This will increase the likelihood that you
feel comfortable having a discussion with your doctor, rather than just
being "examined" and having the appointment end.
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You need to form good relationships with the staff at the doctor's office!
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This includes:
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Physician assistants
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Nurses
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Secretaries/Receptionists
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In the Insurance section, I emphasized that there are many activities that
go on "behind the scenes" that many patients are unaware of. The staff
at the doctor's office are the individuals who will be handling most insurance
issues. FORM GOOD RELATIONSHIPS WITH THESE INDIVIDUALS!
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Check with your insurance company PRIOR to your appointment with your doctor
if you suspect that he or she is going to order certain medications, tests,
or other treatments.
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Questions to ask include:
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What does the doctor need to do?
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Is there a specific hospital, company, agency, or other physician that
you have to be referred to? (This is VERY important if you have an HMO
or PPO)
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This will decrease the likelihood that the staff at the doctor's office
will have to spend a great deal of time talking to the insurance company
(which makes the staff happy).
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Remember, you are not "stuck" with a physician. If you are unhappy with
the relationship you have with your doctor or the treatment you are receiving,
you can always get a new doctor. You always have this choice, regardless
of the type of insurance that you have.
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