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In Remembrance
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
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In Remembrance
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,002
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Going to the Doctor - Lists / Priorities
You all are so smart you already probably know this...but, I was reading a diabetic book tonight and it said that docs spend 5 min. on our first complaint, and then 1 min. on about each of three following...so in other words, due to heavy patient loads, it is very important that we do the following suggestion.
Prior to the appt., think about all of the symptoms and problems you're having, or the chronic things that need to be reviewed for discussion.
Prior again, arrange these into some kind of group as in Problem, then the symptoms; Chronic Problem, changing symptoms or concerns; Pharmacy / Meds, and any side-effects, questions on meds.
Then look at your list and prioritize these by severity and importance.
They suggest that you can reasonably expect only 3 items (the main topic, not the symptoms) to be handled in one appt. If you've got more, when you make your appt., let doc's staff know.
If you can, make a copy of your priority list, so you and doc can read it together. If not, at least you are able to stick to your prioritized items, you won't forget a symptom, and if you get emotional, etc., you've got that nice paper there to refocus on.
I think this is so important for us because many of us have w/c or SS which requires certain points to be in our reports, AND, we often get upset while in the office. Also, our symptoms include forgetting!
Does anyone else have any ideas on bettering our doctor relationships or care?
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