Healthy Tip - Ways to Communicate With Your Doctor

From what I have heard, most parents seem to make a lot of visits to the doctor's office.  We have been blessed so far - L has not had any major illnesses that have required us to make visits more frequently than for his check-ups.  When we do visit, I try to make a list of everything we need to know.  But studies have shown that most people actually ask more questions when buying a cell phone than they do during medical appointments. 

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is launching of a new initiative with the Ad Council to encourage clinicians and patients to engage in effective two-way communication to ensure safer care and better health outcomes.

Here are some suggested questions I found listed on their website:

1. What is the test for?
2. How many times have you done this procedure?
3. When will I get the results?
4. Why do I need this treatment?
5. Are there any alternatives?
6. What are the possible complications?
7. Which hospital is best for my needs?
8. How do you spell the name of that drug?
9. Are there any side effects?
10. Will this medicine interact with medicines that I'm already taking?

They have a neat tool called the Question Builder to help you be prepared for your next medical appointment. Create a list of questions that you can take with you whether you are getting a check-up, talking about a problem or health condition, getting a prescription, or discussing a medical test or surgery. Whatever the reason for your visit, it is important to be prepared. With the Question Builder, it is easy.   Another good time saver is the glossary.

There are a couple helpful new videos and other valuable tips and tools available here that truly delve into the importance of very open communication between clinicians and their patients.  The Wall Street Journal recently published an article covering the news.  You can also find the full series of new public service videos featuring real clinicians and patients here.  You can listen to a mother of 3, Laurri Diener talk about how better communication with her doctor helped her to get the right diagnosis and treatment so that she could sleep more and worry less.

Next time you visit your doctor, make sure you have a list of questions prepared! 

Thanks, My Memphis Mommy!

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