Talking to your doctor

The relationship between a healthcare provider and a patient should be a partnership. Both parties have responsibilities and both have needs. The best way to make sure the partnership works is to have good communication.

Communication is very important when you are switching to a new healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor or primary healthcare provider about your past relationships with other healthcare providers. Discuss what you have felt was good and bad about the relationships. Also talk about what you expect from this provider. You should feel comfortable enough with a doctor to bring up issues that may seem personal or embarrassing. This includes sexual, emotional, and other personal issues. If something is important to you, you should bring it up. Physical health and emotional well- being are tied together.

You should let your doctor know if you are getting a divorce, have experienced the death of someone close, have been fired from a job, or are experiencing any other major events in your life.

To get the most out of an office visit, it helps to make a list of things you want to talk about. Talk about what the problem is, how long it has been going on, anything you have tried to treat it, and whether it's better or worse. Always bring in a complete list of medications you are using, including any non-prescription or over- the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and other alternative therapies.

Medical terms can be confusing. If you are not certain what your doctor is talking about, ask questions. Sometimes it is helpful to get the doctor or a nurse to write down anything you are afraid you might forget, such as the name of the condition you have. Ask if there are places you can get more information or pamphlets you can read.

Remember that a primary healthcare provider is there to help you. If you have any problems with the treatment you get from your doctor or his or her staff, it is important to discuss it. If you feel you have repeatedly tried to work with a doctor and it is not working out, you may need to contact the customer service department at your insurance company. Your health is important, so you should find the right person to work with you to take care of it.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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