In the September 15, 2009 article, Maybe it's Time to Slow Down the Pace of Medical Treatment, by Daphne Miller in the Washington Post, the pros and cons of extra time with patients were described from a physician's perspective. Doctors enjoy more time with patients in part because a relationship is built and because higher quality care is easier to provide, but more than the 15-minute visit allowable by insurance costs is not usually feasible. Here's how to make the most of your 15 minutes.
Come Prepared With a Symptom List
Rather than trying to remember all of your concerns during a rushed conversation, bring along a list of any problems or symptoms. Start with the most bothersome, but don't be afraid to include any symptom, even if it seems small, unrelated or "silly." You can share the list with your doctor or simply consult it during your discussion.
Provide a List of All Treatments
A list of all drugs you take, and when, is always a good place to start, so that none of your medications will be forgotten by you or your doctor. It is also helpful to list any side effects you have noticed, in case one of your treatments in particular is causing a problem. Sometimes the solution is as easy as taking medicines at different times or with food; the best way to solve the problem is to mention it at the visit.
Don't forget to include vitamins, herbals and other non-drug treatments in this list. Herbs and vitamins often interact with drugs and diseases and do cause their own sets of side effects as well. Lab treatments or procedures done by specialists should also be on this lists, in case the records haven't yet been shared by the doctors' offices.
Tape Record the Visit
After a busy office visit, it is easy to forget one or more of the topics discussed that have important impacts on your health. If you tape record the appointment (with your doctor's approval), you can refer to it later when you start on a new treatment plan or before you call again with a follow-up question or visit.
Bring Other Provider Information With You
Many people have numerous health professionals overseeing their care, including pharmacists, specialists for chronic diseases and nurse practitioners or physician assistants who may or may not be in the same location as your primary provider. Often doctors can fax information to your pharmacy or specialist directly at your appointment time, to streamline the paperwork and keep your care consistent.
Find the Right Provider for the Problem
As emphasized in the article by Daphne Miller, the most efficient way to provide health care relies on having enough physicians available to see patients. Save the primary care doctor visits for in-depth problems; take advantage of nurse practitioners and physician assistants at offices, or pharmacists and nurses at local health clinics, for more common health questions or follow-up concerns. Each professional has been certified to provide the best patient care possible in his or her field, so use these auxillary resources for your own maximal health benefit.
References
Maybe It's Time to Slow Down the Pace of Medical Care, Daphne Miller, September 15, 2009, WashingtonPost.com
Nicole Van Hoey - Trained as a pharmacist, Nicole has enjoyed providing drug and health information to many patients through work and now attempts to ...
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