Getting the most of physician visits

(FOX Providence) - It’s happened to all of us. You’re in the doctor’s office, for a regular check-up or perhaps a specific ailment. You have questions and concerns but time is too limited to adequately discuss them. You leave feeling frustrated or confused.

Dr. Betsy Moody from Roger Williams Senior Health Care Associates and Nancy Nelson from Albion Court , joined The Rhode Show to talk more about it.

With even a short amount of time with your physician it is possible to have a more successful visit. It requires preparation on your part and the decision to view your relationship with your doctor as a partnership.

Many people, particularly older adults, view doctors as omniscient and not to be questioned. This view detracts from being able to establish a partnership where the physician is given all the information he or she needs to best diagnose and treat the patient.

This is particularly important in a situation where someone is being treated by several different doctors. Various treatment plans may overlap or worse, contradict each other. Here are simple strategies that will help promote healthy partnerships with your physicians.

Many medical experts advise preparing a list of questions and concerns prior to a doctor’s visit.

Prioritize the list in the event that time is limited. This should include a list of symptoms that you are experiencing. Even something that seems simple may give your physician important information about your health.

When you first see the nurse or physician assistant let them know that you have a list that you would like to discuss when the doctor arrives. The nurse or PA may be able to address some of the less complex issues.

Additionally, prepare of list of your current medications along with dosages. Include over the counter medications, vitamins and herbal or natural treatments.

If you have trouble remembering the instructions given by the physician, be prepared to take notes or ask the doctor to make notes for you. If you have an older family member who does not remember details of their doctor’s visit, make arrangements to attend the appointment with them.

You will need your family member’s permission to be part of the appointment and have their personal information shared with you.

During your time with the doctor, nurse or physician assistant, be honest about your health concerns and lifestyle choices such as alcohol, tobacco and drug use. However brilliant your physician may be, it’s unlikely that he or she is a mind reader. They can’t address something they don’t know about.

Also, it may feel embarrassing to discuss some physical or emotional concerns such as sexual health or depression, but why compromise quality of life over something that your physician may be able to treat? He or she is a healthcare professional and is well-equipped to deal with very personal health issues.

During your appointment do not hesitate to ask questions. It is your health and you are entitled to understand your diagnosis. Ask what you can expect in the future and where you can get more information.

Be sure you, or a family member attending the appointment with you, fully understand the diagnosis, treatment and timeline. Ask if a specialist is needed or if your physician is the best person to treat you. If given medications, ask about interactions with other prescriptions, foods, alcohol, etc. Learn about possible side-effects and how long you will be taking the drug.

Write down what you learn during the appointment. If you don’t feel confident that you understand the doctor’s instructions ask him or her to repeat them or write them down. If your doctor is not available, check with the nurse or physician assistant to clarify the instructions.

If, after following these steps, you feel that you still do not have a good partnership with your physician it might be time to look for a new doctor. Communication and trust are vital components of your healthcare.