You and your doctor are partners, working together for your optimal health. That's why it's important to find a doctor you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to your questions, and takes the time to ask his or her own. Find out more about doctor-patient relations by taking this quiz.
1. Your doctor knows which medicines you're taking, so you don't need to bother reminding him or her.
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You may see other doctors—specialists, for instance—who may have prescribed medicine for a specific condition. You may also be taking over-the-counter medicines, herbs, vitamins, laxatives, or supplements. It's a good idea to bring a list of all medicines you are currently taking and the dose of each. Or better yet, bring all the bottles in a bag to show your regular doctor.
2. If you wear glasses or hearing aids, don't forget to bring them with you to the doctor's office.
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Also, if you use a cane or walker, don't forget that either. If you have a hard time seeing or hearing, tell your doctor that. Ask him or her to speak more slowly if you are having difficulty following the conversation. Tell your doctor if you need to use other devices such as grab bars, stair lifts, or devices to help you reach things.
3. A friend or relative who comes with you to the office must stay in the waiting room during your exam.
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If you think you might have trouble remembering what to ask the doctor, or remembering what the doctor tells you, bring a family member or close friend with you to the exam room. Tell the person ahead of time what you need to discuss with the doctor. Your friend can gently remind you about anything you forget to mention, and help you keep track of what the doctor recommends. If you don't bring someone with you, do write down any questions or concerns you have. If you have several, put them in order, with the most important at the top. And take notes during the office visit.
4. It's not the doctor's business to know about your personal life, so he or she shouldn't ask you about anything other than health matters.
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What happens in your life--the death of a close family member, a change in your living arrangements--can affect your health. A doctor who asks you about your personal life isn't being nosy, but is trying to make sure he or she knows about any major changes or stresses you may be facing. You don't need to give a lot of detail. It's enough to say, for example, I have had to sell my house and move in with my daughter.
5. It's OK to fudge the truth about your smoking or dieting when talking with your doctor.
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Your doctor can't give you the best care if you don't say what's really going on. Also don't hesitate to mention any symptoms that concern you. Although a physical exam and medical tests give valuable information about you, it is the symptoms you report that help guide your doctor to the right tests. It's not a sign of weakness to talk about your symptoms.
6. Your doctor has only a limited time for you, so limit your questions.
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Although it's true that your doctor is busy, you can't get the best care if you don't understand what he or she is telling you. If you keep silent, your doctor may think you don't have questions. Don't worry about sounding silly. Ask questions when you don't understand a medical term--aneurysm, for instance--or when you don't understand the instructions--when to take medicine with food, for instance. Let the office know if you will need a translator or other special help.
7. You can find out more about your particular health condition by reading brochures your doctor has.
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Doctors often have brochures and pamphlets available, as well as videos about certain health conditions. Ask your doctor if he or she has printed instructions available. And ask for a list of resources--books, organizations, and government agencies--that can give you more information.
8. Problems with depression or memory are a normal part of aging and don't merit concern by your doctor.
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Depression, memory problems, sexual function problems, and incontinence are not normal. Your doctor needs to know about any of these and discuss possible treatment with you. If your doctor doesn't seem concerned, you should look for another doctor.
9. The best time to talk to your doctor about serious illness is when you're healthy.
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While you're still healthy, talk with your doctor about advance directives. Examples of advance directives are a living will and durable power of attorney. They let you specify the type of care you want. An advance directive will speak for you, or allow a designated family member to speak for you, when you are too ill to make decisions for yourself.
