Are you partnering with your doctor to get the best care?

Health care in America is changing and few of us can tell what our future holds.  What can you do to partner with your doctor/primary care giver to get what you need?  My source for this information is Joint Commission Speak Up initiative, Tips for your Doctor’s visit at http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/speakup_doctors_visit.pdf

I have medical people in my family.  Also, I work with an excellent group of doctors and these are my observations:  doctors are finding their lives more stressful with recent changes.  They often feel pressured to see more patients in the same amount of time.  They are being told to use computerized medical records which can be challenging to learn and master.  All these changes can cause them stress so if we the patients are organized, we can contribute to a more satisfying doctor visit.   

Whether the doctor appointment is with a new doctor or a visit with your doctor you have seen before, go early (before your appointment time) to fill out a health history which will include medical history, history of any surgeries and treatments, allergies, and all current medications. Your biologic family history will be included.  What did your parents deal with and if they are deceased, what was the cause?  What health issues do your siblings deal with?  Does heart disease cause problems with your family members?   More next time on how to partner with your doctor.