Tips for When You Meet Your Doctor

Once we know that we have a problem, we are likely to run to the doctor. Yet at times we do not get exactly what we want from our office visit. Have you ever felt that every time you step out of the doctor's office, there is always an unanswered question left behind? Have you ever felt that the visit was just a short conversation in which the doctor was doing the talking and you were doing the listening? Although there are many reason for this, such as lack of time and high volume of demands - there is no excuse for not getting the right attention from your doctor, YOU MUST DEMAND IT!

At times a person might feel, " I Think if I ask to many questions, I will seem annoying" or "stupid" but these feelings are just feelings, not the truth. Chances are a doctor will be pleased to see that he or she does not have to do the job alone, asking questions is one way of letting a doctor know what a patient's concerns are - when he or she knows this, then will he or she be able to help a person accurately. In a physician-patient relationship, it is critical to have a balanced participation level. If a patient is not affirmative in communication about his or her needs, at times a doctor might take them lightly or rush with them (something that accrues allot with female patients). When meeting with a doctor try fallowing these tips:

-Be on time

-Sit up straight (if possible)

-Make eye to eye contact with the doctor, this will let the doctor know your all ears!

-Have a clear and strong (not loud!) voice

-Clarify your goals for the visit

-Make a list about the symptoms you have, make two copies of the list, one for your doctor at the beginning of the appointment and one for you to keep.

-Ask the doctor if he or she needs any other information about you

-be honest

-Make every minute count

-Ask away with the questions, until you feel you understand (if possible write your questions before hand, this will save time and all questions you have will be answered)

-Take a pen and paper to write down answers to your questions or ask a doctor if you can record the conversation.

-If it adds to your comfort take some one to the appointment with you.

-Make sure your appearance is well maintained ( you do not have to be wearing Gucci or Armani) But have a clean look, which will help the doctor see your here for business.

-Be prepared, doctors also ask questions about your health and way of life, be ready to answer in a clear and well descriptive manner (this is important because it allows a doctor to determine where your health is standing.

-Politely and let your doctor know what your relationship with him or her is lacking - doctors need to know where they can improve.

-Last but not least, try your best to keep going to the same doctor, find a doctor you feel comfortable with, and stick to him or her.