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Need Help With Asking PCP Again for a Referral to a Specialist
Diabetes & Endocrine System | Last Active: Mar 7, 2021 | Replies (75)Comment receiving replies
I strongly urge all patients/potential patients to:
1. Keep a pain diary as that will indicate patterns, specific pains, particular information, times of day etc. It is also more helpful for the doctor/specialist than an emotive generalisation in the surgery
2. Carefully plan an email to the doctor/specialist BEFORE you attend the consultation. In this email you can put your pain diary (or a summary of it) and list the specific questions you want discussed. This is good to do with your carer, loved one or trusted friend.
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Great info robin615! I know the courts give a lot of validation to these diaries/documentations and having worked with probably over 80 providers in 20 years, I know most of them appreciate and respect them. It makes for a more productive, efficient visit.
I was taught in our health care cooperative business literacy training that studies show that patients forget everything they want to ask the doctor and /or what the doctor tells them due to anxiety, stress, intimidation, etc.
It's a good idea to leave substantial space below each item you want to discuss and each question, to write down what the doctor answers and/or tells you even though they give you a discharge summary on your way out. I have found those to be significantly lacking. The said that patients only hear/process incoming info for something like the first 7 minutes when talking with the doctor. I am not positive on the exact time but it was short.
Warmest wishes for all the best, Sunnyflower