Working With Health Providers Results in Better Care
AMARILLO – A good patient-provider relationship needs to be more of a partnership, said a Texas AgriLife Extension Service specialist.“You and your health provider should work as a team, along with other health professionals, to solve your medical problems and keep you healthy,” said Andrew Crocker, AgriLife Extension gerontology health program specialist.
“This may mean asking questions if your health provider’s explanations or instructions are unclear, bringing up problems even if he or she does not ask, and letting your provider know if you have concerns about a particular treatment or change in your daily life,” Crocker said.
Taking an active role in one’s own health care puts the responsibility for good communication on both the individual and the health provider, he said.
“Your health provider may ask you how your life is going,” Crocker said. “This is not being impolite or nosy – information about what is happening in your life may be useful medically. Let your health provider know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as the death of a loved one, but do not feel pressured to go into great detail.”
He said to remember the line from the television show: “Just the facts, ma’am.”
It might be tempting to say what you think the provider wants to hear. For example, that you are smoking less or eating a more balanced diet, Crocker said. While this is a natural impulse, it is not in your best interest if it is not what is really going on.
Also, asking questions is paramount to good communication with a provider, he said. Without questions, he or she may assume you know the answer or do not want more information.
“Be proactive and ask questions when you do not know the meaning of a word or when instructions are not clear,” Crocker said.
Speak up when feeling rushed, worried or uncomfortable, he said. If necessary, offer to return for a second visit to discuss concerns. Try to express feelings in a positive way and remember the provider may not be able to answer all questions.
However, most providers will say if they do not have answers and may help find the information needed or make a referral to a specialist.
“If a health provider regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms as simply a part of aging, think about looking for another provider,” Crocker said.
When a diagnosis is made, ask the doctor for the name of the condition and why he or she thinks you have it. Ask how it may affect you and how long it might last, he said. Some medical problems never go away completely; however, they may be treated or managed. “You should also make it a point to ask what else your condition might be,” Crocker said. “Or, perhaps ask the worst thing that your condition might be.”
Giving and getting information are two important steps in talking with a doctor. The third big step is making decisions about treatment, Crocker said. Ask about different treatments.
“Make sure you understand what your treatment involves and what it will or will not do,” he said. “Have your health provider give you directions in writing and feel free to ask questions.
“If your provider suggests a treatment that makes you uncomfortable, ask if there are other treatments that might work,” Crocker said. “If cost is a concern, ask if less expensive choices are available.”
In many cases, the doctor will be able to work to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs, Crocker said. When thinking about the pros and cons of a treatment, do not forget to consider its impact on your overall life.
Getting a second opinion may be important, but use with caution as this often leads to conflicting advice, he said. A second provider may contradict the first. If this happens, the choices are to talk more with the first provider about the differences or go to a third.
“However, before you seek additional opinions, you may want to check with your insurance provider to make sure that the visits will be covered,” Crocker said.
Things to look for when choosing a doctor for a second or subsequent opinion might be:
-- Someone affiliated with a hospital other than the original one.
-- A staff member at a research and teaching hospital.
-- A specialist who may be more experienced with that particular problem.
“Telling a health provider you want to see someone else for a second opinion can be awkward, particularly if you have known him or her for years,” Crocker said. “But a good provider should not be insulted and many will recommend it to you themselves.”
Find more information through Medline Plus, part of the National Institutes of Health: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/talkingwithyourdoctor.html . -30-
