Posted on: September 7, 2007
Check-Up Confidential
For many patients, a visit to the primary care physician tends to be a one-sided conversation, but, say many doctors, it doesn’t have to be that way
By Apryl Chapman Thomas
CTW Features
Elaine Bloom of Maplewood, N.J., considers herself lucky when it comes to her doctor.
“My regular doctor is someone who is very easy to talk to,” she says. “I have no problem asking him questions during and after my exam. I don’t even have to tell him that I have questions for him. He usually asks how I am, and that leads into my questions.”
Yet, Bloom, with many of us, knows that not all doctors are as approachable. In fact, we might be lucky to get in a word or two during the exam, or if we do, we might leave the exam still not sure about things. However, there are ways that we can become more proactive with our doctor’s office visits.
“It is important to establish a line of open communications,” says Nieca Goldberg, M.D., a cardiologist and author of “The Women’s Healthy Heart Program” (Ballantine Books, 2006). “Contrary to what you may have heard, doctors want you to ask questions. They want to help you help yourself.”
Patricia Raymond, M.D., a gastroenterologist in Chesapeake, Va., says, “I hope patients do have some questions for me, and our dialog is a ‘give and take’. That’s when learning happens.”
She adds, “If you let the doctor know that you have questions by openly displaying [a] list of questions early in the appointment, you’re more likely to get the answers you seek.
Don’t wait, however, until the end for your questions, Raymond says.
“Don’t tell your doctor ‘oh, by the way’ as they start to walk out of the door, and whip out a three-foot long list and wave it in the air,” she says. “Let us know that we need to budget time for talk.”
All doctors agree that honestly is the best policy when it comes down to talking with them.
Dr. Matthew Moreland, of Baylor Medical Center at Waxahachie, Texas says, tell your doctor everything about your health, including family history.
“Even the best doctors aren’t mind readers,” he says. “Be honest and disclose as much information as possible.”
If you are experiencing symptoms, tell your doctor what they are, how severe they are and when you experience them. Be sure to report even small changes in your health as they may signal an underlying problem.
Moreland says to ask many questions, especially about things you don’t understand. If you have to, repeat what your doctor said.
“Don’t be afraid to seek a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with a diagnosis or treatment plan.”
