Physicians are scientists, life long students, business managers, men and women who want to improve their patients’ quality of life through optimal health.

Physicians can not be experts in all areas of medicine.

Physicians are human and thus, are imperfect.

One can have more than one physician.  The role of the PCP (primary care physician) is that of central information and support.  All information, diagnoses, medication orders should be in your PCP’s file for you.

Keep a small notebook with all your important health history and information documented.  Include: 

allergies,

medications (including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC), supplements, herbs, pain relievers, etc.

previous hospitalizations and surgeries,

copies of your insurance cards,

copies of advance directives, including Living Will, DPOA for healthcare, CPR Directive.

Before you have an appointment with your MD, think about questions you wish to ask.  Think about the symptoms that have been disturbing you (or disturbing those who care about you!), the issues you wish to have the doctor know and be prepared to discuss with you.  Write those on a bulleted list, and

Take with you to the appointment and give to the receptionist/nurse to share with the MD, or

Fax to the office no more than 24 hrs before your appt.  Call ahead to anounce the fax’s arrival and ask that it be put on your chart for the doctor’s attention.

Take a copy of this memo with you for your reference.

Keep a copy of the memo and any added notes in your small notebook.

If you must wait for your appointment, it may be because this MD gives his patients time.  He will give you time also.  Use this opportunity to re-formulate your questions or concerns, to get “centered” and ready for this important meeting.

During your appointment:

Ask what your blood pressure, weight, or any data collected are. Write them down.

If you can not hear or understand the doctor, ask him to slow down, speak more clearlyor loudly or repeat.

If you do not fully understand what he is telling you, or why certain treatments are recommended, ask for further explanation.

Do not agree to medications or treatments of any kind until or unless you underdstand fully what they are meant to accomplish, what the “downside”might be, or if there are any alternatives.

Be honest. Resist the temptation to misrepresent how much you smoke, drink, or forget your medicines.  The physician is not a judge, but a health care coach who cares.  He or she can not help effectively if accurate information isn’t available.  In fact, given inaccurate information on which to base treatment, that treatment may actually be counterproductive…and through no fault of your physician!

Consider having another individual be with you during the appointment to take notes, help in the discussion, and otherwise support the communciation between you and the physician.

If you receive treatment from any other physician, clinic, source, even if it is a direct referral from your PCP, ask specifically that a copy of the report or a summary of findings be sent to your primary care physician.

Follow all instructions and take all medications you and your MD have discussed and to which you have agreed.  If you have problems of one kind or another, or if desired results are not obtained, CALL your physician and report.

If you forget or feel confused about what you have heard after you return home, call the physician’s office and explain the situation.  A  nurse will likely talk with you so you are more comfortable.