P R E V E N T I V E
M E D I C I N E
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TRICKS OF THE TRADE
Physicians also learn to help put
patients at ease so that the atmosphere is more conducive to an open
dialogue. Here's what to expect as
a patient:
• Your doctor will refrain from focusing too much on his or her clipboard or laptop, to encourage eye
contact and an interactive conversation between the two of you.
• Everyday words rather than medical language will be used, except
when absolutely necessary, so that
there won't be any confusion about
what your doctor says.
• The doctor will pay attention to
your body language and other nonverbal cues, says Dr. Erin Nash,
a staff physician with Spartanburg
Regional Healthcare System,
Spartanburg, S.C. For example,
she says, a physician often can tell
if a patient is depressed by looking at his or her eyes, even before
symptoms of depression come up
in discussion. •
6
Tips
for talking to your
healthcare provider
about diffcult things
1. Bring notes. It is easier to ask a question while you're still in the
doctor's offce, rather than trying to get your doctor on the phone
for a follow-up. Make a list in advance of all the details you want
to discuss so that you don't forget anything.
2. Prioritize. People tend to leave their most sensitive questions
and concerns until the end, throwing out some softball questions
up front. But Dr. Erin Nash at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare
System, Spartanburg, S.C., says you need to start with the most
important stuff frst so you know you'll have time to get to it.
3. Be selective. Nurses can be a great resource for patients and
doctors alike. Talking to the nurse in advance of your appointment can help the doctor be more prepared. But if you are not
comfortable, you can also wait and talk to the doctor alone about
your concerns.
4. Be a patient patient. Doctors are under pressure to document
everything digitally. Give your physician time to enter a fact into
your record before moving on to the next thing.
5. Be prepared. If you are going in for a second opinion, make sure
you have all your records, X-rays and other information to aid
that process. Dr. Marygrace Elson at University of Iowa Hospitals
and Clinics, Iowa City, Iowa, says it's best to confrm that the
nurse has all of your material before you get started.
6. Bring company. If you suspect you'll have a hard time remembering the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, Dr. Nash
suggests bringing a friend or family member with you to take
notes and provide emotional support.
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