EBRR Class Report – Talking With Your Doctor.
Begin: 9/7/2023
Finish: 10/18/2023
Title: Talking With Your Doctor
Author: National Institute for Aging.
Why I chose to take this class:
In the past doctor typically took the lead and the patient follows. Today doctor -patient relationship is a partnership, work as a team to keep you as healthy as possible. That means asking questions and communication with your doctor. This class will help me and my wife choose a new doctor whom we could communicate in the future.
What I learned from this class:
Choosing a doctor you can talk with:
. Decide what you are looking for in a doctor.
. Identify several possible doctors.
. Consult reference sources, including online.
. Talk to office staff to learn more about the doctor you are considering.
. Consider talking with the doctor by phone, online, or in person to discuss becoming his or her patient.
. Make a choice.
Getting Ready for an appointment:
. Be prepared: list of physical and mental concerns.
. Bring health history and medication information.
. Bring family members or friend to take notes.
. Make sure you can hear and see well.
. Give doctor update since your last visit.
. Request interpreter if you need one.
Giving Information:
. Share any symptoms.
. Give information about your medications.
. Tell doctor about your habits.
. Voice other concerns.
Getting Information:
. Learn about medical test.
. Discuss you diagnosis and what you can expect.
. Find out about your medications.
. Understand how to take your prescriptions.
Making a decision with your doctor:
. Ask about different treatment options, including clinical trials.
. Ask about prevention.
. Ask about exercise and lifestyle.
. Evaluate online health information.
Talk with Your Doctor about Clinical Trials:
. Talk with your doctor about participating in a clinical trial.
. Ask about the benefits and risks of participating in a trial.
. If you know of a trial you would like to be part of, bring total information to your doctor to discuss.
Talking to specialist and hospital medical staff:
. Ask questions if you are unclear.
. Ask for printed instructions or write down as much as information as possible.
. Tell your primary care doctor if you see a specialist, need surgery, or have gone to the emergency room.
Difficult but Necessary Conversation:
. Don’t hesitate to discuss difficult subjects even if they don’t seem directly related to a medical condition.
. You and your doctor can make better decisions together.
. If your doctor cannot help you, they can refer you to other resources.
. Use brochures or booklets to discuss new topics or conditions.
. If your doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously. Then It is time to change doctor.
How will this class help contribute to my success upon release:
This topic and other healthcare related information impacts the geriatric community, me, my wife and family. The knowledge gained from this class will help us work better with out health care providers and doctors to improve our well being and quality of life.
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