Healthcare Navigation Tip#7 Asking Questions
I tell people to make a list of questions before going to a medical visit. Take some time before the visit and think about what your concerns are. There is a good chance you will forget at the visit what you wanted to ask the medical professional if you don't have a list. Having questions can help focus the visit and act as a reminder of what information you need. There often is not enough time in a visit to get all your questions answered. It is important to prioritize the list. For instance, if you are going to start a new medication, your prioritized questions may be what are the side affects? What should I do if one occurs? Will it interact with any of my other medications? If you have researched the medication, have a specific question about the information, ask.
The hardest part maybe remembering the responses. Try to write down some of the answers. Otherwise, when you are finished with your visit, sit in the waiting room, coffee shop, or car for a minute and write down what you remember.
If the visit is related to a new diagnosis and you are feeling overwhelmed, take someone with you if possible who can ask the questions and be your advocate. You can listen and the advocate can write the answers. There can be a difference between what you thought you heard and what the written doctor's answer was.
Most important, if you have a list, remember to take it out of your pocket or purse!
Posted by HealthCare Whisperer at 3/15/2010 3:34 PM 
Categories: questions, doctor, healthcare navigation
Tags: doctor healthcare navigation
Categories: questions, doctor, healthcare navigation
Tags: doctor healthcare navigation
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