Health Questions? Don't Count On Your Doctor
These days, doctors are so overworked, you'll be lucky to get just two minutes of their precious time during your office visit. An assistant will weigh you, another will take your blood pressure and then your doctor will rush in to make a quick diagnosis and write a prescription or order a blood work-up. Then they vanish. The problem is, you probably have health questions or concerns, but because you are rushed, you accept the prescription without getting any answers to your questions.
Although the doctor probably sees your symptoms of bronchitis or arthritis on a regular basis, you do not. You might feel fearful of some aspect of your ailment, wanting answers to health questions that the short time of your visit doesn't allow you to explore.
So, what can you do if you've made an appointment to see your doctor for anything other than a routine visit? Do a little research prior to your appointment.
The Web has a slew of reliable resources for medical information and studies. For example, your joints ache when the weather is cold and your hands get stiff. Do you recognize a possible association with arthritis? Well, there are several types of arthritis — what do you really know about this disease? Visit a few medical websites and see what you can discover about your symptoms.
During your investigation, you'll think of a number of health questions your doctor can answer. The best approach is to prepare a list of these health questions prior to your appointment.
Maybe you'll find an article which covers a recent study showing that fish high in omega 3 fatty acids seem to benefit people with aching joints. Scribble a note to ask your doctor about this.
As you prepare your list of health questions and concerns, you'll feel more confident about your upcoming appointment and... the outcome. Instead of the doctor replying with a few "I see" remarks, leaving you none the wiser, bring your list of health questions about your possible condition. Be as thorough as possible so that when you leave the doctor's office, you believe that you understand your condition, options and possible treatments.
When you come to your visit prepared — with a list of health questions — your doctor can answer them, leaving you with a better grasp on what you can do for yourself to improve your condition. Your doctor's prescription will most likely resolve the problem, but it's always a comfort to know you have a sufficient understanding of the problem, to help yourself.
The bottom line: don't leave for a doctor's appointment without first preparing a list of relevant health questions to ask.
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