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Talking to your doctor

UW-Extension Family Living  “Consumer Health Decisions” curriculum

Talking to your doctor

Quick Tips – When Talking with Your Doctor

Research has shown that patients who have good relationships with their doctors tend to be more satisfied with their care – and to have better results. Here are some tips to help you and your doctor become partners in improving your health care.

  • You know important things about your symptoms and your health history. Tell your doctor what you think he or she needs to know.
  • It is important to tell your doctor personal information—even if it makes you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.
  • Bring a “health history” list with you, and keep it up to date. You might want to make a copy of the form for each member of your family.
  • Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list of those medicines (include when and how often you take them) and what strength. Talk about any allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.
  • Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.
  • Bring other medical information, such as x-ray films, test results, and medical records.

Get Information

  • Ask questions. If you don’t, your doctor may think you understand everything that was said.
  • Write down your questions before your visit. List the most important ones first to make sure they get asked and answered.
  • You might want to bring someone along to help you ask questions. This person can also help you understand and/or remember the answers.
  • Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help to explain something.
  • Take notes.
  • Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape recorder to help you remember things. But always ask first.
  • Let your doctor know if you need more time. If there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if you can call later to speak with someone.
  • Ask if your doctor has washed his or her hands before starting to examine you. Research shows that handwashing can prevent the spread of infections. If you’re uncomfortable asking this question directly, you might ask, “I’ve noticed that some doctors and nurses wash their hands or wear gloves before touching people. Why is that?”

Take Information Home

  • Ask for written instructions.
  • Your doctor also may have brochures and audio tapes and videotapes that can help you. If not, ask how you can get such materials.

Once You Leave the Doctor’s Office, Follow Up

  • If you have questions, call.
  • If your symptoms get worse, or if you have problems with your medicine, call.
  • If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor, call for your test results.
  • If your doctor said you need to have certain tests, make appointments at the lab or other offices to get them done.
  • If your doctor said you should see a specialist, make an appointment

(10) Health Issues and Concerns

  • Heart Disease
  • According to the local chapter of the American Heart Association, heart disease and stroke are the #1cause of death in Wisconsin.  In 2002, 38.3% of all deaths were caused by these diseases.
  • The American Heart Association offers an abundance of information on their website including information about risk factors that you can and cannot control and many resources to help you make changes in your life.
  • Know the Warning Signs of a Heart Attack as described by the American Heart Association:
  • Some heart attacks are sudden and intense — the “movie heart attack,” where no one doubts what’s happening. But most heart attacks start slowly, with mild pain or discomfort. Often people affected aren’t sure what’s wrong and wait too long before getting help. Here are signs that can mean a heart attack is happening:
      • Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
      • Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
  • Shortness of breath. May occur with or without chest discomfort.
  • Other signs: These may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
  • Quitting Bad Habits