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Patient Responsibilities
For most of us, it is a physician who first touches us when we are born and it is the physician who is often the last to touch us before we die. Between these two boundaries of life, we experience a multitude of encounters with the men and women of medicine who help us regain, as well as, maintain our health and well being.
It would seem, therefore, that each of us have a unique opportunity to establish one of life's special relationships, one between patient and physician. Patients yearn for a close, caring, and compassionate relationship with their doctor, unfortunately, for a variety of reasons, many Americans are not able to develop this special relationship.
The absence of health care insurance is one obstacle to a patient developing a nurturing, long-term relationship with a physician. But often, even those who are fortunate to have a personal physician do not achieve an ideal relationship.
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While there has been much attention given to what physicians should do to achieve a positive relationship with their patients, little has been said about a patient's responsibility. I believe patients also have a responsibility for making sure they receive the care they expect and desire from their doctors.
I am amazed that many people often spend more time picking out a car or television set than they do in choosing a doctor. During the past few years, in my travels around the country to promote my first book, Doctors Cry, Too, I have heard an often re-occurring comment: "My doctor always seems so rushed and doesn't appear to take an interest in me or my health concerns."
Because this problem does exist for many patients, I have come up with several guidelines for patients to consider as they go about finding a physician who will meet their needs:
- Learn as much as you can about your medical condition. Go to libraries, the Internet, or ask your doctor for articles that will help you understand many of the complicated issues surrounding your health. A well-informed patient is easier to care for.
- Before arriving at your doctor's appointment, write down questions you want answered, or issues you want to discuss related to diagnosis, treatment, side effects, or prognosis. During the hectic pace of a doctor's visit, you can easily forget what you wanted to discuss or the questions you need answered. Remember that there are no stupid questions.
- If possible, take a close relative or friend with you. When hearing medical information and especially distressing or bad news, many patients do not hear what doctors tell them. Having another, less nervous, pair of ears may prove helpful on the ride home. If this is not possible, taking notes may be helpful. If you didn't understand something, don't be afraid to ask your doctor to repeat what was said.
- Patients are more comfortable, attentive and thorough when discussing their medical complaints while fully clothed. Ask your doctor to talk to you before you get undressed for the examination. For that same reason, it is best to redress before once again discussing your medical condition and course of action.
- Don't always feel your doctor has the best answer for you. Be prepared to ask about alternative treatments that may be available. A good physician will be glad to explain the risks and benefits of any reasonable alternative treatment plan.
- If you aren't comfortable with your doctor's opinion, ask for a second opinion. If your doctor has a problem with this, consider finding a new doctor. Good physicians are glad to supply patients with names of competent physicians who you can visit for a second opinion. A second opinion that concurs with your doctor's diagnosis can help build trust and confidence thus reducing the need for other such opinions in the future. A second opinion can also prevent treatment for a wrong diagnosis.
- Once you begin treatment, let your doctor know of any problems that develop. It is also a good idea to call your doctor's office when you are improving and your treatment is going well. Like everyone else, doctors enjoy hearing good news.
- Be aware of patient autonomy. This means you have the right to deny a particular course of action and say no to your doctor's treatment plan, or even suggest another form of treatment. Your doctor should explain the risks and benefits of a course of action versus any treatment you suggest. Just be sure you fully understand the risks involved in whatever decision you make.
- If you feel rushed or do not feel your doctor has answered your questions, speak up! A simple "Doctor, can you please sit down and go over this again, I don't understand (or I am feeling rushed)" works quite well.
- If your insurance company is not cooperating, ask your doctor or the business office if there is something you can do to help resolve the issue. Health care should be a team effort, and you and your doctor are on the same team.
If after you try these suggestions your physician still does not fulfill your health care needs, perhaps it is time to find another doctor. Just as patients depend on their physician, physicians also depend on their patients. Patient responsibility is an important factor in maintaining good health.
From birth to death and all that comes between, doctors and patients should work together in a spirit of cooperation and support. Only in this way can the relationship between physician and patient be a fulfilling, positive experience. Considering what is at stake, it is too important to settle for less.
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