The Importance of Being Active Participants in our Medical Treatment

Agree!

: ) Def. It's our responsibility as well.

I grew up with the learning that the doctor was always right. Then about 20 years ago I began working in hospitals as a Human Resource professional and learned that physicians and surgeons are human beings. They have tons of knowledge and have experience to back that up. But, the patient knows their body and what's happening in ways a doctor can't understand. Working together as a team, the decisions they make are better than when only the doctor has input. I have only found a few doctors over the years who didn't think the patient should have input into their treatment. I changed doctors when that happened. Health and wellness are team activities. Having the individual, family, nutritionist, counselor, masseuse, fitness instructor, yoga instructor, chiropractor, and doctors all working together is the very best approach to health. It's also extremely rare in our current system. As many of your healthcare team as you can involve the better. Doing research on various medications and alternatives is also helpful.

I now see my physicians as equals to me in deciding what goes into my body. Occasionally, I forget and call them by their first names. Then I must ask them if that's OK with them. I try not to do that.

Gail B
Volunteer Mentor

Thank you for the link.

Have a great day!

On Connect, most of us see our PCP and specialists at least every year and some of us on a more regular basis. I often wonder what is the best way to communicate with my doctor. Considering the small window of opportunity I have in the doctor's office, I like to use my time as efficiently as possible. I'm sure that you do as well. In the U.S. News Health Newsletter, I saw these great ideas for approaching a doctor's appointment. Here is a copy of the summary of that article,

Tips for describing your medical symptoms

Narrate symptoms clearly and completely to help doctors pinpoint your medical issues:
Speak in your own words.
Be precise.
Use analogies.
Have basic medical tools at home.
Prep for your visit.
Draw attention to key symptoms.
Talk in terms of function.
Give context
Keep a log or journal.
Fill in your family history.
Help doctors connect the dots.

If you would like to read the full article, with each of these points described more fully, here is the link,
https://health.usnews.com/health-care/patient-advice/slideshows/how-to-describe-medical-symptoms-to-your-doctor

Another suggestion for preparing for PCP, or any provider is "Plan Your Conversation" tool from Patient Revolution. Five simple questions to help you pin point your concerns and why it is important.
https://patientrevolution.org/visit-tools
Another thing I do prior to PCP appoint is review my prescription and determine if need any refills.

Laurie