Today’s medical systems are getting more
complex. I frequently have members of my faith family visit
my office or call me with questions or tell me they can’t remember
what the doctor told them, or they aren’t clear on the directions
given at the last doctor visit. It is no longer one doctor
for everything, and many times information is not automatically
shared between the primary-care doctor and any specialists or
emergency facilities or hospitals without a specific request by you
to have records released. More and more we are seeing how
important it is to develop good communication skills to maximize
the outcome of the brief time you have with your
doctor.
Older patients who have a care-giver or family member with them at
their appointments tend to retain more of the information from the
appointment and are generally more satisfied with the
outcome. Being prepared will help the visit be more
productive and have a better outcome. As we age, it is
important to have a provider who understands whole-health care –
body, mind and spirit.
Below are some tips that are helpful to follow when going to
any doctor/health-care provider appointment:
Keep a complete and current list of medications and directions for
taking them including who prescribed them, how long you have been
taking them, and where you get them filled. Bring it with
you!
Determine and write down the reason for the appointment. Is
it a well care visit or a follow-up of a previous problem?
List any questions such as: Do you need your diagnosis
clarified? Do you need help with the treatment plan you have
been given? Are you having problems with the
medications? Are you experiencing new symptoms? Write
down everything to ask or say since it may be difficult to remember
what you need and want when you get to the office.
Be pro-active in making sure that all test results have been
received by the doctor before your visit.
Have a list of your symptoms and description available.
Describe how you feel, degree of pain, what triggers the symptoms,
what you have done to help reduce the problem, etc.
If you don’t understand or are having trouble hearing the
doctor/health-care provider, ask for clarification or have them
speak more clearly.
Have the doctor/health-care provider supply you with a written
summary of the visit including diagnosis, tests needed, medications
new or changed, follow-up information, etc.
An excellent resource for more information within the USA is the
National Institute of Health and also the Alzheimer
Association. Both have publications that provide help as well
as discussion tips for groups.
Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit
within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for
you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your
body.
(1 Cor. 6:19-20 ESV)
Cynthia Rutan, RN, Parish Nurse Representative for NW District
LCMS