How does the information you give to members of your health team, especially your doctor, affect your care?
The information you provide the health care team helps:
- Form the diagnosis
- Make decisions about your therapy (by providing information on how you feel about certain issues such as making lifestyle changes, adverse effects of drugs, cost of drugs, etc.)
How can I make the most of the time I have during the visit?
The following suggestions will help foster productive interaction with your doctor:
- Summarize your medical history in writing.
- Bring all your important medical records with you (notes from other doctors, seizure calendars, lab results).
- Bring a written list of questions. Put the most important 5 questions first. That may be all you have time to talk about at the first visit. You can save the others for follow-up visits or ask the nurse to help.
How can I make sure I get all the information that I need?
- Leave the visit with a clear understanding of the treatment plan. Make sure you go home with written instructions, particularly on how to take medications.
- Know what to do if another seizure occurs or if you miss your medication.
- Communicate your needs to your doctor, even those that involve sensitive issues.
- If important questions come up after you leave the doctor's office, call later. The nurse may be able to help.
Reviewed By:
Patty Obsorne Shafer RN, MN
on:
Sunday, July 28, 2013