Talking to your doctor can sometimes be intimidating, especially if it’s your first visit. At Just Heart Cardiovascular, we work hard to improve how we talk with our patients so that it’s easier for them to make informed decisions and participate in their healthcare. But there’s room for improvement. That’s why we have included these 5 tips to help you communicate with your doctor better.
It’s not uncommon for most people to be referred to a physician, especially if they’re a specialist. Unfortunately, sometimes that relationship doesn’t work out, for numerous reasons. But there are a couple of essential things to help you begin a great relationship with your doctor, and it begins with communicating correctly with your doctor. Let them know your expectations early on and be prepared to engage and open up with your doctor. If you know people who have visited this doctor, don’t be afraid to ask them!
Preparing for your doctor’s appointment is extremely important. Don’t forget to bring your medication list, any known past medical history (including family). Also, sometimes doctor’s appointments can sometimes be a blur. If you can try to bring someone with you to your appointment so that they can take notes and pick up anything that you may miss.
Your doctor is there to help you, but it’s very difficult if you withhold information. Remember that your doctor won’t disclose any information that you don’t want disclosed, and any detail can be important in deciding your course of care.
Your health is YOUR HEALTH. You should have a stake in your course of treatment. It’s also important for you to let your physician know if you have any concerns with any portion of your care plan, so that they can know if a change is necessary. Remember that you are a team!
Having your loved ones around can make the difference in whether or not your treatment care is successful. Also including them in your appointments when things are serious is important, because they can be crucial in helping you weigh your options to make the best decision!
Check out the video below for more details on how you can communicate with your doctor better, and make your relationship a success!
