How to be a good patient?

By: Maged Taman

Nothing like an educated patient he helps himself a lot and helps his physicians. These are some of the tips to be that patient:

1- Have all time in your pocket/purse a list of current medications and doses as well time you take it. If you can not do it bring your bottles and likely your primary care office will make it for you.

2- Have all doctors you see and their speciality in same paper. If not a burden your diagnosis and date of screening testing.

3- Try to know your screening testing as recommended and ask your doctor if you are up to date as well your immunization.

4- If you are prescribed a new medicine ask your doctor of main side effects. Any medicine can do anything main side effects are what you ask for.

5- If you have a new symptom check if you have been prescribed a new medicine.

6- With all procedure ask about complications.

7- Before major surgery have the best in business have second consultation or both.

8- Decide with your primary doctor for appropriate timing for visit. A young healthy person may need only once a year physical with other visits only if there are problems. Patient with diabetes may require to see doctor every three months.

9- Understand your medical problem. Read about it or have hand out if possible from your doctor. Check that in excellent web sites: www.patient.co.uk webmd mayclinic

10- Communicate well with your doctor. His time is limited by insurance so get to the points and make your complaints and concerns clear better to even write them down before visit. Your doctor will give you a clear answer in most part. Disorganized patients get disorganized answers.

11- If you do not get better call again your doctor or go to emergency room. Doing nothing and blaming the doctor would jeopardize your health. "The doctor did not tell me to check back if gets worse" is not the best" answer since the common sense is to take charge of your health.

12- Do not exaggerate so you can have your doctor take your problem seriously since you may lead him to wrong investigations and diagnosis.

13- Know if something serious going on or not. A hot flush or burning urination are not the same as feeling short of breath or feeling like passing out. Call 911 if you feel yourself in trouble.