Visiting a doctor? Arm yourself with questions

It can happen to any of us. We go to the doctor expecting an answer to one problem and discover we are diagnosed with another. The news might be better, or worse, or just plain different than we expected. In any case, it takes us by surprise. Even if we arrived in the office with questions in mind or written down on paper, the unexpected nature of the news – and our feeling that the doctor is rushed – causes us to walk out without all of our questions answered.

Those questions may concern anything from worries about one’s prognosis for the future to a new medication’s potential interaction with another prescription. Particularly if the business day comes to a close, or when it is the start of the weekend, it can add inconvenience to medical worries if you have not gotten the answers you need while in the doctor’s office. And the inconvenience is not yours alone. In fact, by being considerate of the doctor’s time during your appointment, you have added to the doctor’s burden by forcing him or her to reconnect with you later in a phone call.

What can you do to avoid this situation happening again?

“There are a number of things you can do,” advised BrienDavis. He is a nurse practitioner and owner of Hope Health in Camden who also offers an occasional course in medical self-advocacy at the Camden Hills Regional High School.

“When news is surprising, it is challenging for the medical provider as well as the patient,” Davis said. “The doctor may be struggling with some of the same emotions, too.” In addition, the emphasis in medical training is on determining a diagnosis, rather than on how to deliver the news. As a result, “it is helpful for patients to ask medical personnel, ‘What is it I need to know about this?'” Davis said. “It would help the practitioner to educate the patient rather than sweep him out the door.”

Davis recommends preparing for your medical appointments by composing a short list of questions about the problem you are experiencing. Hand your list to the doctor instead of reading from it yourself. Include the questions, “How will this be treated?” and “Is there anything I should know about treatment or medication?” These questions will be valid even if you receive a surprising diagnosis. Remember, it serves patient and doctor alike when the patient leaves with questions answered.

Brien Davis’ next class in “Healthwise Medical Self Care” will be held at Camden Hills Regional High School at 6:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 30. For further information, visit www.fivetowns.net/adulted/.