Here are some tips from Dr. Marissa Weiss on building a good doctor-patient relationship from the patient side. Thanks to Dr. Rich’s Covert Rationing blog for the link.
- Greet the doctor–or introduce yourself if this is a new physician–with a professional handshake.
- Let your doctor know what is on your mind and how the doctor can be most helpful.
- Before you get to the doctor’s office, write down your symptoms and the questions you have for the doctor.
- Record the doctors answers to your questions. This can either be done by taking notes, using a tape recorder (ask the doctor’s permission first) or bring a friend or family member to take notes for you.
- Sit close enough to the doctor to feel like you are having a personal conversation, but not too close to make the situation uncomfortable for either of you.
- Feel free to ask the doctor to repeat him/herself if you did not understand what he/she said.
- Make sure that when you receive a test result, that your other doctors are informed of these results.
- Ask yourself what do you value in a doctor. Be sure that your doctors satisfy your needs.
- Go to a doctor who likes being a doctor. These physicians will make the extra effort to provide you with the best care.