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November 2001 Monthly News

Ask Elder Services
Talking with your doctor, part 2
Karen Reilly elected Elder Services Board President
Donors who made gifts in memory or in honor of loved ones
From the Director - The Changing Goals of Retirement
Elder Services Board of Directors as of October 24, 2001
Berkshire County Thanksgiving Dinner to homebound elders

Talking with your doctor, part 2:

This is Part 2 of a series of articles excerpted from a publication of the National Institute on Aging, Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People.

A basic plan can help you communicate better with your doctor, whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips can help you and your doctor build a partnership.

GETTING READY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Before going to the doctor, make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, are you having a new symptom you want to tell the doctor about? Did you want to get a flu shot? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order so you are sure to ask about the most important ones first. Take along any information the doctor or staff may need such as insurance cards, names of your other doctors, or your medical records. Some doctors suggest you put all your prescription and over-the counter medicines in a bag and bring them with you. Others recommend bringing a list of medications you take.

Many older people use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor’s visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well, and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. For example, you may want to say, "My hearing makes it hard to understand everything you’re saying. It helps a lot when you speak slowly."

Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. The person can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget, can help you remember what the doctor said, or can take notes for you to review later.

Plan to update the doctor:

Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also tell the doctor about any recent changes in the medication you take or the effect it has had on you.

Your doctor may ask you how your life is going. This isn’t being impolite or nosy. Information about what’s happening in your life may be useful medically. Let the doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. You don’t have to go into detail; you may just want to say something like, "It might be helpful for you to know that my sister passed away since my last visit with you," or "I had to sell my home and move in with my daughter."

Be prepared: Make a list of concerns.

Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible.

Consider bringing a family member or friend.

Plan to update the doctor.

SHARING INFORMATION WITH YOUR DOCTOR

Be honest - It is tempting to say what you think the doctor wants to hear; for example, that you smoke less or eat a more balanced diet than you really do. While this is natural, it is not in your best interest. Your doctor can give you the best treatment only if you say what is really going on.

Stick to the point - Although your doctor might like to talk with you at length, each patient is given a limited amount of time. To make the best use of your time, stick to the point. Give the doctor a brief description of the symptom, when it started, how often it happens, and if it is getting worse or better.

Ask questions - Asking questions is the key to getting what you want from the visit. If you don’t ask questions, your doctor may think you understand why he or she is sending you for a test or that you don’t want more information. Ask questions when you don’t know the meaning of a word (like aneurysm, hypertension, or infarct) or when instructions aren’t clear (e.g., does taking medicine with food mean before, during, or after a meal?). You might say, "I want to make sure I understand. Could you explain that a little further?" If you are worried about cost, say so.

Share your point of view - Your doctor needs to know what’s working and what’s not. He or she can’t read your mind, so it is important for you to share your point of view. Say if you feel rushed, worried, or uncomfortable. Try to voice your feelings in a positive way. For example, "I know you have many patients to see, but I’m really worried about this. I’d feel much better if we could talk about it a little more." If necessary, yu can offer to return for a second visit to discuss your concerns.

Be honest.

Stick to the point.

Ask questions.

Share your point of view.

GETTING INFORMATION FROM YOUR DOCTOR AND OTHER HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

Take notes - It can be difficult to remember what the doctor says, so take along a pad and pencil and write down the main points, or ask the doctor to write them down for you. If you can’t write while the doctor is talking to you, make notes in the waiting room after the visit. Or, bring a tape recorder along, and (with the doctor’s permission) record what is said. Recording is especially helpful if you want to share the details of the visit with others.

Get written or recorded information - Whenever possible, have the doctor or staff provide written advice and instructions. Ask if your doctor has any brochures, cassette tapes, videotapes, computer software, or websites about your health conditions or treatments. For example, if your doctor says that your blood pressure is high, he or she may give you brochures explaining what causes high blood pressure and what you can do about it. Some doctors have videocassette recorders for viewing tapes in their offices. Ask the doctor to recommend other sources, such as public libraries, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, which may have written or recorded materials you can use. The World Wide Web also may be a source of information about your health condition.

Evaluate health information on the World Wide Web:

Many people are turning to the World Wide Web to look for information about medical problems and health issues. However, not all health information on the Web is of equal quality. How do you find websites that are accurate and reliable? The following questions may be useful to consider when you look at a health-related website. And always remember to talk with your doctor about what you learn.

What are the author’s credentials? Is the author affiliated with any major medical institutions?

Who is reviewing the material? Make sure a medical advisory board exists to read the medical content before it’s made available to the public.

Is the purpose and goal of the sponsoring organization clearly stated?

Is there a way to contact the sponsor for more information or to verify information presented?

Are advertisements separate from content?

Because health information gets outdated so quickly, does the website post the source and date for the information?

If you have to register, are you clear how your personal information will be used?

When medical data are given, are sources cited for the information? For example, it is easy enough to say "2 out of 5 doctors agree..." but where did that statistic come from?’

Even the best doctor may be unable to answer some questions. There still is much we don’t know about the human body, the aging process, and disease. Most doctors will tell you when they don’t have answers. They also may help you find the information you need or refer you to a specialist. If a doctor regularly brushes off your questions or symptoms as simply part of aging, think about looking for another doctor.

Talk to other members of the health care team - Today, health care is a team effort. Other professionals, including nurses, physician assistants, pharmacists, and occupational or physical therapists, play an active role in your health care. These professionals may be able to take more time with you.

Take notes.

Get written or recorded information.

Remember that doctors don’t know everything.

Talk to other members of the health care team.