How to talk to your doctor
By Dr. Tom James
How often have you left a doctor's appointment and wished you had asked a few more questions? Ever left a clinic or urgent care center and realized you didn't remember all the instructions?
Sadly, these are all-too-common occurrences, and ones you can avoid by learning how to talk with your doctor instead of just listening.
Sure, doctors are busy and don't seem to have the time to talk – but you're busy too, right? To make sure that you get the most out of your doctor visit, it's important to know how to talk with your doctor. Here are some suggestions from a doctor who sees patients regularly:
- Write questions you have and the topics you'd like to discuss beforehand. When you're prepared, then I can focus on answering the question you have – and you can leave with more information.
- Help keep your doctor on track. Like a lot of physicians, I may fall into chit-chat with my patients. That may be great socially, but may not impart much information.
- Ask for instructions in writing. Generally, I try to give my patients something in writing to help jog their memory about our conversation. But if I forget to give you an instruction sheet or a hand-written set of information, please ask me to give you something in writing.
- Internet for conversation – The Internet can be a great place to get additional information. But just because it's on the Internet doesn't mean it's accurate. Ask your doctor for Web sites that have high-quality information. Health information links on MyHumana and sites such as WebMD, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, American Academy of Family Practice, and are all good sources of information.
- It's OK to stop me for questions – For me it's very difficult to have a patient who gives me a blank look. I'd much rather a patient stop and ask me to clarify what I said. I won't be offended. I'd rather you understand the information. I won't think any less of you for asking. In fact, I'll think you're a pretty smart person to be so engaged in your own health.
- What to bring – Be sure that when you arrive at the office, you bring all your current medications. I want to be sure I'm aware of not only the drugs I prescribe, but medications others may have prescribed, too. That includes herbs, vitamins, and over-the-counter medications that may trigger allergic reactions or drug interactions. Also bring a pen and a sheet of paper for note take. If you keep a log of your blood sugar, weight, or blood pressure, bring that along. That helps me take care of you.
Using these simple techniques can make you better at asking questions that can help you in the long run.
Bottom line: Simple preparation can lead to better results from doctor's appointments.
Who is Dr. Tom James?
Dr. Tom James is the Healthcare Advisor for Humana's Strategic Advisory Group. He's responsible for providing the clinical input into quality and efficiency measurements and display of healthcare providers within the Humana network. He's also involved with Humana's group Medicare clinical program development. Dr. James works closely with national professional organizations and societies to explain Humana's goals on transparency and other clinical issues, and to receive feedback that allows for greater alignment between Humana and the national professional groups.
Dr. James is board-certified in Internal Medicine and in Pediatrics. He received his undergraduate degree from Duke University and his medical degree from the University of Kentucky. Dr. James served his residencies at Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania Hospital, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He is currently the chairman of Partners for a Healthy Louisville, the community's business-health coalition and is the former chairman of the Quality Improvement Committee for the Jefferson County (Ky.) Medical Society. He is on the Board of such organizations as Kentucky Opera, Hospice of Louisville Foundation, and Kentucky Pediatrics Foundation. Dr. James remains in part-time clinical practice of internal medicine-pediatrics.
