8 Ways to Build a Strong Relationship with Your Doctor
Communication, respect, trust are very important
Communication, respect, trust are very important
You waited weeks to see your doctor. After your visit, you still have questions. You don’t fully understand your diagnosis or treatment plan. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to review your relationship with your doctor.
The relationship with your doctor is a personal one, built on communication and trust. You must be able to trust, confide in and tell your doctor about your health problems. Your doctor, in turn, should listen to you, give you options and feedback and have your best interest in mind.
A good relationship with your doctor can help you stay healthy. It can also make sure you get the care you need when you are not feeling well.
“Patients who take an active role in their care may not only feel more satisfied with their doctors, but also more in control over their own health and well-being,” says Rebecca Shragge, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest.
Here are eight ways to help you build a good patient-physician relationship and get the most out of your medical appointments.
1. Be prepared for your appointment
Take a few minutes to prepare for your appointment with your doctor. This will help you make the most of your time together. You can share any important information before your visit through a patient portal or bring a list of questions or concerns to discuss.
Consider the following:
- Are there new symptoms you’d like to discuss?
- Are you experiencing side effects from any medications?
- Do you need vaccines, such as the flu, pneumonia or shingles?
“Before your visit, make a list of your symptoms and how long each has been present,” suggests Dr. Shragge. “Write down what medications you’re taking, including vitamins and supplements, and the dosages for each.”
If you need lab work or other tests, get them before your appointment so you and your doctor can go over them together.
2. Prioritize health issues to discuss
Begin your discussion with your doctor by sharing the most important health issue or question you have.
“Don’t put off things you really need to discuss until the end of the visit. Bring them up right away,” says Dr. Shragge.
3. Be honest with your physician
Your lifestyle and daily habits affect your health. The information you share with your doctor is private, so be candid. If you are not honest about smoking or drinking or missing medications, your doctor won’t have accurate information, and this can affect your care.
“Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit,” says Dr. Shragge “For instance, mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep or energy level.”
Don’t feel embarrassed. Your doctor isn’t perfect and they don’t expect you to be perfect either.
4. Be sure you understand your care plan
Before you leave the doctor’s office, make sure all your questions are answered. If you need to schedule a follow-up visit, do so. Understand everything your doctor has told you about your condition. Know what you need to do, like getting lab tests, taking medications and caring for yourself at home.
“If you’re not quite sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before you leave,” says Dr. Shragge. “If you have questions once you get home, contact your health care team by calling the office or using an online patient portal to leave a message.”
5. Bring a companion to your appointment if necessary
Bring a friend or loved one with you, especially if you have trouble remembering things. It is also good when discussing serious topics like cancer or heart disease. Make sure your companion is ready to follow visitor guidelines at your doctor’s office.
“Bringing a friend or family member along can be extremely helpful when it comes to asking questions and clarifying information, especially for older patients or anyone who is nervous about seeing the doctor, or someone who needs a language interpreter,” says Dr. Shragge.
6. Communicate with your physician via patient portal
Communication with your doctor extends beyond in-person visits. Use patient portals to view your medical records, test results and schedule appointments. These tools help you stay informed and involved in your health care.
Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center patients can use MyScripps, the online patient portal where they can check test results, review medical history and leave messages for their physicians. Online scheduling is also available for most Scripps Clinic and Scripps Coastal Medical Center physicians.
7. Know when to use virtual care
Virtual care provides convenient access to your health care provider. It allows you to connect with your primary or specialty care physician from the comfort of your own home for non-emergency situations. These include follow-up discussions and treatment of illnesses that doctors can diagnose based on what the patient shows or tells them.
8. Follow your care plan
Follow your individualized care plan to get results and monitor progress. Your care plan may include very specific tasks, such as monitoring your blood sugar, getting more exercise or taking your blood pressure.
If a physician’s recommendation doesn’t sound doable or your medication isn’t working, let them know so you can re-evaluate and make adjustments to your treatment plan.