Begin: 9/6/2023
Finish: 9/7/2023
Title: Talking With Your Doctor
Author: National Institute on Aging.
Why I choose to read this book:
In the past doctors 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 communicating with your doctor. I would like to know who to choose a new doctor whom I could communicate in the future.
What I learned in this book:
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 their 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 medications.
- Tell doctor about your habits.
- Voice any concerns.
Getting Information:
- Learn about medical tests.
- Discuss your diagnosis and what you can expect.
- Find out about your medications.
- Understand how to take your prescription.
Making decisions with your doctor:
- Ask about different treatment options, including clinical trials.
- Ask about prevention.
- Talk about exercise and lifestyle.
- Evaluate online health information.
Talking 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 trial information to your doctor to discuss.
Talking to specialists and hospital medical staff:
- Ask questions if you are unclear.
- Ask for printed instructions or write down as much 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 you doctor cannot help you, they can refer you to other resources.
- Use brochures or booklets to discuss issues, or conditions.
- If you doctor doesn’t take your concerns seriously, then it is time to change doctors.
How will this book help contribute to my success upon release:
Topic regarding health care impacts the geriatric community., me and my family. The knowledge gained from this book will help us work better with our health providers and doctors to improve our well being and quality of life.
