How to Get What You Need From Your Doctor

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By jpwriter
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (17 Ratings)

Help me heal.

People with an emergent medical situation or chronic medical conditions can have a hard time finding compassionate and appropriate medical care. Because of the specialization of so many doctors it can be difficult to get the treatment you need without numerous referrals. There is also difficulty with insurance and other patient needs, but no matter what you should be able to get your needs met by your doctor. You have the right to search for a doctor who will

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

medication list

Step 1

Write it down.

Make a complete list of the issues that you want to discuss with your doctor. If you have a chronic condition or multiple health problems it is very important to document what you feel, both physically and emotionally. Track symptoms on a calendar or in a journal.
Step 2

Appointments can get overwhelming but keep going.

Be prepared for misdiagnosis and referrals. Hopefully, misdiagnosis does not happen, but with the pressure on doctors resulting in them having less time with each patient, it does occur. Because of such specific specialization there is a doctor for every body part (and parts within that part). This can result in you getting referrals. Go to your referral appointments. Sign a release to your primary care doctor so all information can end up at one source.
Step 3

Just like shopping for the good prices or customer service. You deserve the best.

If your doctor does not give you the attention, time, empathy, and help you need then find a new doctor. Yes, this can be inconvenient, but going to a doctor who does not help is a waste of time. It is better to be accused of being a doctor shopper because you continue to go to new doctors until you find one that treats you with dignity and is concerned for your care than stick with someone that you don't like.
Step 4

You are driving your body and in control of where to go.

Don't let other people discourage you or invalidate your medical problems. Healthy people do not always understand the frustration of living with multiple health issues, chronic medical conditions, or pain disorders. We know our bodies best and do indeed know when something does not feel right although articulating it may be difficult.
Step 5

This is not always the answer.

Don't settle for a bottle of medication. Medication is not always the answer and can sometimes be the problem. Checking the interactions of your medications on your own and with your doctor and pharmacists is a precaution worth the time.
Step 6

Get tested. Error on the side of caution if the doctor isn't sure about the diagnosis of your medical condition, but you are symptomatic get a referral or get diagnostic imaging. This can save your life. It's better to have a test and find something early or find nothing instead of waiting. Waiting can kill you, but an ultrasound or blood test can save your life.

Comments

Susanh said

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on 11/8/2008 Look until you find one that listens! It took me a while, but I finally found one and feel that now she actually listens to me and then addresses each issue with compassion and clarity. GREAT article. We truly have to take our wellness into our own hands and not give up when we don't get the results we want from a doctor.

ShannaFuentes said

on 10/29/2008 Excellent article! Thank you!

AudreyBrown said

on 10/29/2008 I'm sad to say I am very familiar with this situation, keep writing about it. Maybe someday doctors will feel presured and accountable to LISTEN to their patients.