Doctor-patient conversations need not be a lost art

For me, one of the few worthwhile results of our recent heat wave was that confined to the blessedness of our centrally air-conditioned home, I finally got around to cleaning out some files.

In so doing, I came across some useful information regarding helping your physician to help you.

Almost past remembering now, there was a time when doctors made house calls, knew all their patients and the patients’ families, intimately, and had unlimited time just for you. The family doctor was a lifelong friend with whom good conversation came easily.

Now, although there are more elderly people, there are fewer physicians, especially those specializing in geriatric care. Due to diminished budgets, doctors have a very limited amount of time to spend with each individual, so good communication between doctor and patient becomes even more crucial.

Some doctors speak a simple language and make an effort to simplify and explain. Others, equally competent, speak a medical jargon that only another doctor can understand. Of course, each of us has our own style of communicating and what one person likes in a doctor, another may not.

Some people prefer the direct and concise, briskly-down-to-business type. Others, want and need a personal relationship, someone who is warm and supportive. Naturally, it goes without saying that it is important to choose someone with an excellent medical reputation.

If you go to a new area or are finding a new specialist, check the medical licensing board in the state to see if there are any complaints filed, or contact People’s Medical Society at 462 Walnut St., Allentown, Pa. 18102. Also make sure the doctor is board certified by calling American Board of Medical Specialties, 1-800-776-CERT.

As a first step to good conversation, you need to ask yourself, “How much do I want to know?” Some people don’t want all the details about their bodies and a treatment plan. They want the doctor to make all major decisions. Other people (and I’m one of them) come armed with a list of questions and want to know all the facts and will usually get at least one more opinion if a surgical or long-term treatment is involved.

The second step is to communicate to your doctor about your feelings and what is going on in your own body. You should not be ashamed to talk over any changes in your lifestyle, including problems like drinking or drugs. Don’t withhold information; something you think is minor could be important. Be sure to include any stressful happenings, including difficulties with a child, spouse or parent.

Third, take notes or ask someone to come with you. Under stress, we all listen, selectively. Make sure you understand any instructions the doctor has given you. If you are not sure, ask the doctor to repeat or rephrase.

Be careful, however, about sounding adversarial; doctors are human and become defensive if they feel they are being attacked. If you need more information, ask the doctor to suggest reading material. Be wary of websites advertising and selling products that claim to improve your health.

The federal government’s Department of Health and Human Services has a website to help people find information at www.healthfinder.gov. Many associations and voluntary organizations (some devoted to specific diseases) are also an excellent source of information.

The more you know and can communicate clearly to your doctor, the more successful the relationship and the state of your health will be.

- Article by Jean Cherni, founder of the retirement advisory service, Senior Living Solutions. Contact her at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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