Effective communication is essential to a mutually beneficial doctor-patient relationship. It is the foundation of trust. With the government and insurance companies making more of your healthcare decisions, the visits with your doctor are some of the few aspects you can control. Here are some suggestions.
- Before the office visit, think clearly about what is important to you in a treatment decision.
- Don’t be afraid to speak your mind. We go to doctors for their expertise but they cannot know your feelings about a particular test or treatment.
- Ask about options and the pros and cons of those options. (This is particularly important in cosmetic surgery.)
- Pick a doctor who is willing to share decisions. Don’t be dictated to. Patients are more informed than ever and want to understand.
(Quote of the day: “Have you found joy in your life? Has your life brought joy to others?” Morgan Freeman in The Bucket List.)
- Ask for a second opinion when it counts. Doctors don’t know it all. Sometimes it is just being comfortable with the physician taking care of you. We encourage second opinions because we are confident in our ability to take excellent care of patients and get good results making your experience memorable.
- Bring someone along to make sure all your questions are answered and more of the discussion will be remembered.
- Take your time. Short of an emergency, ask around to find the right doctor and his/her reputation. That way you know you will be getting the best care and treatment.
From Harvard’s Men’s Health Watch
Healthy living,
