Welcome To
Open Heart Women's Ministry


Pastor Deborah's Health Tips

 


Get the most from Your Doctor Visit

 

Are you and your Doctor good partners?
Cultivate a positive working relationship with your doctor(s).  You need to be comfortable asking question, weighing alternatives, and take your time.  Basically, you need someone who is willing to consider you a partner in your medical care. In some cases, your pharmacist may give you good preliminary answers.

Take this short quiz to help you determine whether your doctor fits the bill, followed by some tips to help nudge him or her in the right direction. 

Circle true or false for each of these statements. 

 

My doctor never makes me feel that I am imposing by asking
a lot of questions.              
                                                                                            T       F

At the end of an appointment, my doctor always asks me if I
have any additional questions or concerns.  
                                                                                       T       F

If I ask ahead of time for a longer appointment, my doctor
will usually give it to me.
                                                                                                          T       F

My doctor explains things without using medical jargon, in words
I can understand.  If he/she doesn't, I can ask him/her to rephrase
the explanation until I understand it.  
                                                                                                          T       F 

My doctor always asks me what prescription and over-the-counter
medicines I'm taking.   
                                                                                                          T       F 

I can reach my doctor or nurse for advice by phone.
                                                                                                          T       F 

My doctor discusses the possible side effects of any drug he/she
prescribes.
                                                                                                          T       F 
                                                                  

I feel calm and comforted after interacting with my doctor.
                                                                                                          T       F

My doctor presents several approaches to treating a problem
in a manner that helps me decide what to do.
                                                                                                          T       F

When an insurer questions treatment, my doctor will follow up to
ensure my care is not interrupted.
                                                                                                          T       F

When I'm unhappy with my doctor, I feel comfortable enough
to tell him/her so.
                                                                                                         T       F


Add your total number of trues  = _________

Seven or more trues.....  You and your physician talk easily about your concerns, and the two of you can work together to solve problems that arise.

 Six or fewer trues.....  You and your doctor need to treat a nagging ailment - your relationship.  But, if you had at least three trues, the prognosis is good, as long as you're willing to make an honest effort to improve communication.

 

Getting the kind of care you want

*  Be friendly.  Begin your conversation with your doctor, discussing your concerns the way you would with a friend.  Even the best physicians may feel as if they never have as much time as they'd like with each patient.  Explain what you want - more time, more information, more compassion - and see how your doctor reacts. 
*  Put it in black and white.  Many doctors recommend writing down your questions ahead of time and bringing the list to each appointment. 
*  Request a longer appointment.  If you'd like to have a more open-ended discussion, ask for more time when scheduling your next appointment.
*  Do your homework.  The more informed you are, the better you can evaluate your treatment options.  Do some research and then, at your next appointment, share what you've learned.
*  Consider switching.  You may need to shop around for a different doctor, if you've tried everything you can think of to improve the relationship and you're still not happy.  Despite the hassle involved, you may be better off finding someone new.

 

 

(This information is general knowledge and can be found in any Doctor's Office, Medical Pharmacy, Public Library or
Dictionary and not a specialized medical teaching generated from Pastor Deborah.  Pastor Deborah sincerely
expects all heads of the family to visit their personal Nutritionist specialist about all nutrition issues without exception)

 

open your heart now