You and Your Doctor

The relationship between you and your Doctor is actually one of the  most important relationships in your life. In fact having a relationship with strong communication and trust with your Doctor could even save your life one day. We all know how intimidating it can be to visit your Doctor, first you wait in the waiting room for minutes or even an hour or more, then you hear your name called only to end up waiting some more in a smaller, less friendly looking environment. It's easy to make the assumption that "They are the Doctor, I will go in and they will finds out what's wrong with me and write me a prescription to fill fix the problem. Sure you may have some questions and concerns rattling around in your head, but hey this guy seems pretty busy and I've already been here a long time, and besides if it was important wouldn't the Doctor bring it up not me?"

One key piece of information we need to keep in mind when we go to our Doctor appointment is that: Your Doctor knows a lot about illness and disease, but NO ONE knows more about your body and your personal health than you do! That's why it is vital to combine the Doctor's medical knowledge with your personal information on your health and any symptoms you may have. A second factor you need to keep in mind is that no matter how awesome your Doctor may be, he is not a mind reader and he (or she) can't answer your questions or address your concerns if you don't let him know what's on our mind. A well planned consultation will not only make it less stressful for you but will also help your doctor to give you a better service.

Take some time and prepare for your Doctor consultation. Make sure you have completed any tests that the Doctor may have requested on your last visit. Go over your health and any recent changes you have experienced and makes notes of the dates and times. Write down your concerns and any questions you may have for the Doctor, and give them to the nurse when you comes in to go over your file. Be sure to bring a copy of any prescriptions and over the counter drugs, herb, or vitamins you are currently taking. We often see more than one Doctor and you want all of them to have the full picture of your health. On that note it is also a good idea to have your Doctors forward test results to each other. If you saw your General Practitioner  last week and had blood work done, make sure your Specialist knows what tests were run and what the results were.


If your Doctor visit more than just a regular check up or a case of the flu, you may want to bring a friend or family member to the visit. It can be helpful having two sets of ears to hear the information the Doctor is telling you. Go over any fears, questions and concerns you are having with your family member before the visit and they can make sure all your questions have been answered. Sometimes your Physician may run want to send you for additional tests and your family member can make it easier to make those appointments, especially on tests where you will need someone to drive you home afterwards. Having a friend or family member present can be a godsend when you receive news you weren't expecting from your Doctor. It is always easier to go through a difficult diagnosis if we have a good support system already in place.

 Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication.
  • If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.
  • Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion.
  • Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.
  • Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.
  • If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.
  • Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.

    • The bottom line is that good communication and trust is a vital ingredient between you and your Doctor. Do your part and be prepared for your visits, take a pro-active approach to your treatments, and communicate all your questions and concerns with your Doctor. If you are still confused or you are not happy with your Doctor, then do some research and find a Doctor who fits your needs.


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