How To Get The Best From Your Doctor

Podcast Summary

• Empowering Yourself as a Patient: Prepare for appointments by keeping track of medical history, bringing a list of questions, and seeking out additional resources to become a more confident and effective advocate for your health.

  Being a patient involves playing a role, even if it's just showing up for an appointment. But unlike doctors, who receive training to play their roles, patients are often left to figure things out on their own. In this episode of NPR's Life Kit, hosts Mara Gordon and John Schuman aim to change that by providing a guide for being a more empowered patient. During their discussion, they share stories of their experiences as doctors and patients, including the use of standardized patients to help medical students practice their communication skills. They emphasize the importance of calmness and patience, especially for those in the role of the patient. While patients may not have a guidebook, they can take steps to prepare for appointments and advocate for themselves. This can include keeping track of medical history, bringing a list of questions, and seeking out additional resources. By taking a proactive approach, patients can help ensure they receive the best possible care. In summary, the takeaway is that being a patient requires a role, but it doesn't have to be a daunting one. With some preparation and knowledge, patients can become more confident and effective advocates for their own health.

• Find a doctor who fits your needs: Consider factors like communication style, availability, and cultural sensitivity when choosing a doctor to ensure a positive and effective doctor-patient relationship

  When it comes to finding a doctor you like and making the most of your appointments, it's important to identify what type of patient you are and find a doctor who aligns with your needs. Dr. Kimberly Manning, an internist and associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine, emphasizes that one size doesn't fit all in healthcare. With health insurance, start by checking your insurance provider's directory for in-network doctors. If you don't have insurance, consider federally qualified health centers. But beyond that, reflect on what you require from your doctor. This could include factors like communication style, availability, and cultural sensitivity. By considering these factors and seeking out a doctor who fits your needs, you can feel more in control and empowered in the doctor-patient relationship.

• Choosing a Primary Care Doctor: Prioritize Convenience or Continuity?: Consider convenience for fewer health issues, continuity for chronic conditions or frequent specialist visits. Look for doctors within the same health system for seamless communication and access to records. Consider factors like in-network coverage, hospital admissions, and electronic medical records. Honesty with oneself is key when choosing a doctor.

  Choosing a primary care doctor is an important decision that depends on individual health needs and preferences. For those with fewer health issues, convenience may be a priority. They can look for doctors with flexible schedules or telemedicine options. However, for patients with chronic conditions or those who see specialists regularly, continuity of care is crucial. It's essential to find a primary care doctor who works within the same health system as their specialists to ensure seamless communication and access to medical records. Additionally, it's vital to consider factors like in-network coverage, hospital admissions, and electronic medical records when selecting a doctor. Word-of-mouth recommendations and physician rating websites can be helpful, but it's important to remember that they may not be entirely reliable. Ultimately, the most important thing is for patients to be honest with themselves about their needs and preferences, and to choose a doctor who aligns with them.

• Find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable: Choose a doctor who builds a good relationship, respects individuality, and communicates effectively to enhance physical health and reduce pain.

  It's essential to find a doctor who makes you feel comfortable and builds a good relationship with you. This not only enhances your physical health but also reduces pain. A good doctor is curious, asks questions, and respects your individuality. They should make you feel heard and not self-conscious about your sexual orientation or gender identity. If English isn't your first language, find a doctor who can communicate effectively with you. First impressions matter, and you should not return to a doctor who doesn't make you feel comfortable during your initial visit. Remember, your doctor is there to help you, and effective communication is key to a successful doctor-patient relationship.

• Importance of a culturally competent doctor for better health outcomes: People of color benefit from having a doctor who shares their cultural background or makes them feel comfortable, improving preventative care and overall health outcomes. Prepare for appointments with a clear agenda, including symptoms, concerns, and records to ensure effective communication and care.

  Having a doctor who shares your cultural background or makes you feel comfortable can positively impact your health. This is especially important for people of color, as research shows that they are more likely to receive recommended preventative services when their doctor is from the same background. Additionally, coming prepared to your doctor's appointments with a clear agenda, including an opening statement about your symptoms and how they've affected your quality of life, can help ensure that you make the most of your time together. Bringing in a written list of concerns, medication bottles, and records from other doctors or emergency room visits can also help your doctor better understand your health history and provide more effective care.

• Prepare for Doctor's Visit with Clear Agenda and Records: Come prepared with an opening statement, clear agenda, necessary medications, and records for a productive doctor's visit. Be mindful of the doctor's priorities and address concerns early to ensure important topics aren't overlooked.

  Effective communication is crucial during doctor's visits. Doctors work under time constraints and have their own priorities, while patients may have multiple concerns they want to address. To ensure a productive visit, come prepared with an opening statement and a clear agenda. Bring all necessary medications and records from previous visits. Be mindful of the doctor's agenda as well, as they prioritize addressing potential health risks. By being clear about your concerns at the beginning of the visit, you can help ensure that your most pressing issues are addressed. Additionally, be aware of the "doorknob moment," when important information may be shared as the doctor is leaving the room. To avoid this, bring up any sensitive topics or concerns early in the visit. Effective communication leads to better healthcare outcomes and a more satisfying experience for both the patient and the doctor.

• Building a personal connection with your doctor: Sharing personal info can improve healthcare experience, but comfort is key. Clear feedback can help if connection isn't there, be yourself to build rapport.

  Building a personal connection with your doctor goes a long way in improving your overall healthcare experience. Doctors like to get to know their patients beyond their medical conditions. Personal conversations about hobbies, family, or even difficult experiences can help doctors provide better care. This connection can lead to increased attendance at appointments, adherence to recommended tests and medications, and even faster recovery from illnesses. However, it's important to remember that the connection should be comfortable for both parties. If you feel uncomfortable sharing personal information, don't feel obligated to do so. But if you find that the connection isn't there, consider giving your doctor feedback in a clear and specific manner, just like John Askew did when he told his doctor that she talks too fast. And if you're having trouble connecting, remember to be yourself. Your time with your doctor is valuable, and building a strong rapport can lead to better health outcomes.

• Effective communication between patients and doctors: Patients have the right to express feelings and preferences, doctors should make patients feel comfortable, find a doctor who aligns with healthcare needs, be prepared for appointments, build a strong rapport with your doctor, and don't hesitate to seek out a new one if needed.

  Effective communication between patients and doctors is crucial for quality healthcare. Patients have the right to express their feelings and preferences to their doctors, such as requesting clear explanations or asking for more face-time. Doctors, in turn, should make patients feel comfortable and be open to feedback. It's essential to find a doctor who makes you feel at ease and aligns with your healthcare needs. Being prepared for appointments and clear about your agenda can also help ensure a productive visit. Ultimately, building a strong rapport with your doctor is key to receiving the best possible care. Remember, if you're not connecting with your doctor, don't hesitate to seek out a new one. Your instincts and comfort level should guide your decision.

• Take Charge of Your Health and Well-Being: Stay informed, be proactive, and stay open to new solutions for better health outcomes. In everyday life, don't let challenges discourage you, find alternative solutions instead.

  It's important to prioritize your own health and well-being, even if that means making changes or seeking outside help. In the context of healthcare, this means being informed and proactive, and not being afraid to seek alternative solutions if necessary. This is especially relevant in today's digital age where patients have easy access to a wealth of information. Additionally, there's always room for improvement and new discoveries, so staying informed and open to new ideas can lead to better outcomes. Furthermore, when it comes to everyday life, don't be discouraged by common challenges or misconceptions. For instance, if the idea of camping puts you off due to the lack of showers, consider finding a local swimming pool as a solution. And if you have a great tip or topic idea for improving your life, don't hesitate to share it. In conclusion, taking charge of your health and well-being requires a proactive approach, staying informed, and being open to new ideas and solutions. Whether it's navigating healthcare, camping, or any other aspect of life, there's always room for improvement and the potential for new discoveries.