WWith limited time and an urgent health matter to discuss, a trip to the doctor’s office can sometimes feel like a high-risk event. Even the most routine visits can leave you dissatisfied if there is a communication barrier, too many items on the agenda, or a personality conflict.
Research shows that people who are able to verbalize their medical needs tend to be happier with their health care experiences and are even more likely to see improvements in symptoms and other important outcomes. So how can patients become better advocates for themselves and help take control of their health in the process? We asked doctors for their best tips and strategic advice to help ensure your next doctor appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
Write down your concerns before the visit
Dr. Michael Albert, chief of internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Community Physicians in Odenton, Maryland, says he understands what patients can face when they go to the doctor. First, there is the inherent power balance between doctor and patient, which he says is slowly changing as medical schools begin to focus more on patient-centered care, but remains an issue. And he’s heard many stories over the years of doctors who seem to lack empathy when a patient raises concerns. “We know we need to improve as doctors,” says Albert.
Part of this disconnect comes down to time pressures, which can leave doctors feeling rushed to find a “solution” for their patients rather than validating their feelings, says Albert.
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To counter this, he advises all patients to write a list of their concerns in order of urgency, to help ensure their voice is heard at the appointment. It doesn’t have to be an exhaustive narrative; in fact, being brief is key to keeping commitment in check. But people who come prepared with a note highlighting the main points they want to discuss often make better use of their limited time with their doctor. “Then we can really delve into the things that are most important,” he says.
By the time patients come to subspecialist Dr. Kathryn Mills, they have often already interacted with several doctors and other care providers. Mills, a gynecologic oncologist and assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Chicago Medicine, says it can be confusing and tiring for patients to navigate the system, which is why she encourages them to write down their questions in advance.
“It’s hard, in that moment, to remember everything you wanted covered,” says Mills.
Send a portal message the day before
When a concise written list isn’t enough—like when a patient wants to provide contextual information about a complicated injury—Albert says sending an electronic message through a patient portal the day before an appointment can help prepare the doctor. Some health plans have started paying doctors to respond to portal messages, which encourages doctors to communicate with patients.
Just don’t expect doctors to answer complex questions through portal communication, says Albert. These questions are best addressed in person.
Draft an “opening statement”
Doctors always face time constraints and often juggle multiple demands, Albert says. To help foster a strong relationship, he often advises patients to begin their appointments with a brief opening statement that highlights the reason for the visit while also acknowledging the doctor’s busy schedule.
And the little things, like showing up on time and making sure your paperwork is filled out, can go a long way toward building the doctor-patient relationship, Mills says. When patients arrive on time and prepared, doctors are better able to stick to their schedule and spend the appointment focused on the problems at hand.
Google your symptoms – yes, really
Doctors rarely advise patients to go down the online rabbit hole. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do research. The best patient is the informed patient, according to Dr. Benita Petri-Pickstone, a family physician in Gahanna, Ohio and clinical assistant professor of family and community medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus. She says a vital aspect of self-advocacy is for patients to take an active role in their health, which means doing their research ahead of time so they can ask informed questions. Be proactive, raise any concerns with your doctor, and don’t hesitate to ask a series of questions, she says.
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“The patient who tends to receive better care is usually the one who talks more and asks informed questions about things based on what they’ve read and the symptoms they’re experiencing,” says Petri-Pickstone.
Bring someone to your appointment
In situations where people may not be able to defend themselves, such as elderly people who are experiencing cognitive decline, Petri-Pickstone encourages people to bring a trusted friend or family member with them. “I’m always open to having spouses and children join the patient to help tell a good story so I can figure out the bigger picture of what’s going on,” she says.
Seek a second opinion
When patients have questions or seem uneasy, Mills encourages them to seek a second opinion. Mills often sees patients who come to her, and she believes it is a critical step people can take to advocate for themselves and ensure they are receiving the right care.
She says sometimes patients don’t want to say they’re in her office for a second opinion because they’re afraid it will influence their opinion. But Mills says he believes patients will be better served if they are transparent and talk about the specific concerns that led them to seek advice from another doctor. “It sets the stage in a different way,” she says.
Don’t hesitate to find new care
Sometimes the relationship between doctor and patient just isn’t right, says Albert. If someone has tried everything and the doctor can’t understand or simply won’t listen, it may be time to look for another professional, he says. “They should select someone they feel most comfortable with,” he says.
The ideal doctor-patient relationship varies according to each person’s needs. But in general, people should be able to talk to their doctor and feel like their concerns are being heard and addressed, Albert says. If people feel like their doctor will listen, it will be much easier for them to advocate for what they need.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
