Physicians must often be private eyes before the healing process can begin. Body language is important, a patient's posture, facial expressions, speech patterns and even clothing can provide valuable insights to what lies behind "I don't feel well." Initial reasons given for visits to the doctor are often not the entire story. A patient sometimes suffers from underlying fears which must be dealt with by a perceptive physician. If you're worried about something that appears minor on the surface may in fact be more serious, ask the question. The doctor can understand your concerns and, in many cases, help dispel them. Here are some tips that can help you improve communications with your doctor. Write down your questions on paper beforehand; use these as a guide during your appointment. Be sure that you understand your diagnosis - the recommended treatment and the prescribed medication. Don't walk out with unanswered questions. Don't hold back family and personal medical history - for whatever reasons. If you are consulting other doctors, say so; even better, have those records sent ahead. Be specific as to medications you are currently taking - better yet - take your medication bottles with you so the physician has an accurate picture of the prescriptions and dosages. Keep a list of your medication and dosages at home. It can be invaluable in an emergency. Know what preventive tests you should get and when. Be accountable for those test. Take the initiative following up with your doctor. If the relationship is not working, change physicians. As with other relationships, sometimes the chemistry just is not there. Two-way communications is a very important component in total patient care.
