| How well you and your doctor talk to each other | | | | permanent? How is this condition treated or |
| is one of the most important parts of getting | | | | managed? What are the long term effects on my |
| good health care. It takes time and effort on | | | | life? How can I learn more about this condition? |
| your part and the doctor's part. In the past, the | | | | 11. When the doctor prescribes a new medication, |
| doctor took the lead and the patient followed. | | | | you might ask: What are the common side |
| Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is more | | | | effects? When will the medicine begin to work? |
| of a partnership. You and your doctor should | | | | What should I do if I miss a dose? Should I take |
| work as a team with all healthcare providers to | | | | the medicine at meals or between meals? Should |
| solve your medical problems and keep you | | | | I drink a whole glass of water? Should I avoid any |
| healthy. This means asking questions if the | | | | foods, drugs, or activities while taking this |
| doctor's explanation or instructions are unclear, | | | | medicine? Will I need a refill? Keep a record of all |
| bringing up problems even if the doctor doesn't | | | | your medications at home and accessible to a |
| ask, and letting the doctor know about your | | | | family member in an emergency. |
| concerns about a treatment or change in your | | | | When the doctor writes a prescription, it is |
| daily life. | | | | important to understand the directions for taking |
| The patient needs to take an active role in his | | | | the medication. Sometimes doctors or |
| own medical care. This becomes even more | | | | pharmacists use abbreviations that you see on |
| important as you age because you may have | | | | the prescription labels. The most common |
| more health conditions to discuss. And, your health | | | | abbreviations are indicated in the box below.p.r.n |
| has a big impact on most other parts of your life. | | | | as neededa.c. before mealsq.d every dayp.c. after |
| The first step is to get ready for your doctor's | | | | mealsb.i.d. twice a dayh.s. at bedtimet.i.d. three |
| appointment: | | | | times a dayp.o. by mouthq.i.d. four times a dayea. |
| 1. Make a list of questions and concerns with the | | | | each |
| most important first. | | | | 12. Take notes and repeat what the doctor says |
| 2. Take your prescriptions or a list of prescriptions | | | | to you to make sure you understood his answers. |
| with dosages. This list includes prescription drugs, | | | | Ask for written or recorded information about |
| over the counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal | | | | the medical diagnosis, if you want to know more. |
| remedies. | | | | Finally, the key to your understanding is your |
| 3. Take information with you: your insurance card, | | | | involvement in making decisions with the doctor |
| the names and phone numbers of other doctors | | | | about your treatment and prevention of medical |
| who care for you, and your medical records. | | | | conditions. Discuss choices that reveal the risks |
| 4. Bring eyeglasses and wear hearing aid if you | | | | and benefits of each treatment plan. Also, |
| use them. | | | | consider your own values and circumstances |
| 5. Consider bringing a relative or friend for | | | | when selecting an option. Will a side effect |
| reminders and to take notes for you. | | | | interfere with a regular activity that is important |
| 6. Bring an interpreter if your primary language is | | | | to you? Or is one treatment too expensive or |
| not English. | | | | not covered by your insurance? The doctor may |
| 7. Tell your doctor about yourself and your habits | | | | be able to take these practical considerations in |
| so he can understand your medical conditions fully | | | | mind when recommending options of care. |
| and recommend the best treatment choices for | | | | If a certain disease or health condition runs in your |
| you. | | | | family, the doctor may be able to recommend |
| 8. Share information about your symptoms with | | | | preventative measures. Sometimes the progress |
| as much detail as possible. | | | | of a medical problem can be controlled by |
| How often? When? Getting worse or better? | | | | changing life habits. Could a change in your life |
| How do they affect your daily life? Examples of | | | | habits help you? What are the risks of making |
| symptoms include pain, fever, cough, lump, weight | | | | changes? Are there support groups or community |
| change, sleep problems. | | | | services available to help you with the medical |
| 9. If the physician wants to conduct a medical | | | | condition? |
| test, you might want to know the answers to | | | | During your next visit to your physician, |
| these questions: Why is the test being done? | | | | remember to make good use of your time. Be |
| What does the test involve? Are there any | | | | honest about yourself and your habits, decide |
| dangers or side-effect? When and how will you | | | | which questions are most important, stick to the |
| get the test results? What will you know after | | | | point, and share your point of view about the visit |
| the test? | | | | in a positive way, so that every visit can become |
| 10. If the physician provides a diagnosis, you might | | | | an effective tool in maintaining your health. |
| ask: What may have caused this condition? Is it | | | | |