Your Health Is Your Wealth: Being a Proactive Patient
-by Lindsey Riley
Millions of people in the United States visit a doctor or health care provider at least once a year, if only to get an annual physical or a standard examination. While some can get away with one visit a year, or a couple here and there for seasonal colds or viruses, many people experience having to visit their health care provider several times throughout the year due to chronic symptoms of an unidentified condition or for the treatment of a diagnosed condition. While treatment for some conditions such as the common cold or flu virus can be fairly standard, others can be difficult to diagnose and treat. As a patient, you always expect your health care professionals to take you seriously and provide you with the best care possible, but are you thinking about your role as the patient? It is just as important to be a good patient as it is to have a good doctor. Being proactive is key to getting quality treatment. Are you a good patient or is there room for improvement?
Are you paying attention to your symptoms and keeping track of them?
This may seem like a simple question, but more subtle symptoms can often go unnoticed and delay the time it takes to make a proper diagnosis because all symptoms are not being identified. Your health care provider will ask questions about symptoms you are experiencing, but the responsibility of identifying symptoms is the patient’s. This means you have to know your body and pay close attention to what your body tells you.
Are you prepared for your doctor’s visit?
Many patients go into the doctor’s office expecting the doctor to tell them what’s wrong, but a doctor cannot perform the right tests, prescribe the right medication, or give the right diagnosis if the patient comes in just saying that he/she simply does not feel good. Make a list of your symptoms and questions you may have for the doctor. It’s okay to ask questions, and the more information you give your healthcare provider the better care you will receive.
Are you being as honest and straightforward as possible with your health care provider?
Going to the doctor can be embarrassing, especially since you are expected to discuss information that can sometimes be of a very personal nature. You are there to be helped, not to be judged. Doctors and health care providers are trained professionals and deal with a multitude of conditions on a daily basis. If you aren’t honest and straightforward with your health care provider, you are making his/her job difficult and providing yourself a disservice.
Are you researching your condition?
Getting a diagnosis is only half the battle; the other half is becoming educated and proactive about your health and treatment. Doctors can only provide you with so much information once a diagnosis is reached. You should learn as much as you can about your condition. There are tons of resources on the Internet alone that give a multitude of information on hundreds of medical condition and diagnoses. WebMD, the Mayo Clinic, most research hospitals, the CDC, and many more have reliable information on a vast number of conditions. Don’t be afraid to learn all you can. It’s your body, and you should know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Are you taking your medication as prescribed and paying attention to possible side effects of your medication?
This is a major gripe of health care providers. As a patient, you are expected to be responsible and take your medication as directed. Do not skip doses, suddenly stop taking your medication, or take more that prescribed. Also, your doctor or health care provider has prescribed you medication because they feel the benefits outweigh the risks. However, sometimes the prescribed medication is not what’s best for you. You should know what type of side effects your medication may cause and communicate with your doctor if you feel the medication is not working or if the side effects are too severe to continue taking the medication. Please note, you should always talk to your doctor before discontinuing your medication. Don’t be afraid to be proactive on this! It’s your health and your body!
Do you feel you are stuck with a doctor or health care provider who doesn’t listen to you or take you seriously?
How many times have you felt this way but continued to see your doctor or health care provider anyway? Unfortunately, it happens, and being a patient in this type of situation can cause feelings of helplessness or discouragement. While frustrating, you are never stuck with your doctor. You are allowed and should look for someone else who listens and will take you seriously. Seek out a second opinion or even a third or fourth or more. Remember, while doctors and health care providers are the experts in medicine, you are the expert when it comes to your body. You know when something is wrong and you know your body better than anyone else!
Are you paying attention to your symptoms and keeping track of them?
This may seem like a simple question, but more subtle symptoms can often go unnoticed and delay the time it takes to make a proper diagnosis because all symptoms are not being identified. Your health care provider will ask questions about symptoms you are experiencing, but the responsibility of identifying symptoms is the patient’s. This means you have to know your body and pay close attention to what your body tells you.
Are you prepared for your doctor’s visit?
Many patients go into the doctor’s office expecting the doctor to tell them what’s wrong, but a doctor cannot perform the right tests, prescribe the right medication, or give the right diagnosis if the patient comes in just saying that he/she simply does not feel good. Make a list of your symptoms and questions you may have for the doctor. It’s okay to ask questions, and the more information you give your healthcare provider the better care you will receive.
Are you being as honest and straightforward as possible with your health care provider?
Going to the doctor can be embarrassing, especially since you are expected to discuss information that can sometimes be of a very personal nature. You are there to be helped, not to be judged. Doctors and health care providers are trained professionals and deal with a multitude of conditions on a daily basis. If you aren’t honest and straightforward with your health care provider, you are making his/her job difficult and providing yourself a disservice.
Are you researching your condition?
Getting a diagnosis is only half the battle; the other half is becoming educated and proactive about your health and treatment. Doctors can only provide you with so much information once a diagnosis is reached. You should learn as much as you can about your condition. There are tons of resources on the Internet alone that give a multitude of information on hundreds of medical condition and diagnoses. WebMD, the Mayo Clinic, most research hospitals, the CDC, and many more have reliable information on a vast number of conditions. Don’t be afraid to learn all you can. It’s your body, and you should know exactly what you’re dealing with.
Are you taking your medication as prescribed and paying attention to possible side effects of your medication?
This is a major gripe of health care providers. As a patient, you are expected to be responsible and take your medication as directed. Do not skip doses, suddenly stop taking your medication, or take more that prescribed. Also, your doctor or health care provider has prescribed you medication because they feel the benefits outweigh the risks. However, sometimes the prescribed medication is not what’s best for you. You should know what type of side effects your medication may cause and communicate with your doctor if you feel the medication is not working or if the side effects are too severe to continue taking the medication. Please note, you should always talk to your doctor before discontinuing your medication. Don’t be afraid to be proactive on this! It’s your health and your body!
Do you feel you are stuck with a doctor or health care provider who doesn’t listen to you or take you seriously?
How many times have you felt this way but continued to see your doctor or health care provider anyway? Unfortunately, it happens, and being a patient in this type of situation can cause feelings of helplessness or discouragement. While frustrating, you are never stuck with your doctor. You are allowed and should look for someone else who listens and will take you seriously. Seek out a second opinion or even a third or fourth or more. Remember, while doctors and health care providers are the experts in medicine, you are the expert when it comes to your body. You know when something is wrong and you know your body better than anyone else!
