By Larry Grimaldi
CRANSTON -- A visit to the doctor has changed over the years. When you show up for your appointment, there is the ritual presentation of identification and medical cards. You fill out the inevitable series of questionnaires, sign the privacy declarations and settle down in the office waiting room confident in the reality that you will not be seeing your doctor at the designated time.
For a generation of older persons, the general rule was that you did not ask your doctor too many questions. Doctors, like fathers it was thought, always knew best. Fortunately, that practice is fading into the medical historical sunset. The era of medical advocacy is taking hold. It’s an important change that can result in better health care, a keener eye toward prevention and wellness and a more informed patient.
Given the tight schedules of physicians, you will need a plan to get the most out of an appointment with your doctor. Your plan should include:
• A list of questions that you want to ask the doctor and a list of any medical concerns that you have. It’s important to let your doctor know about any changes in your health that you have noticed since your last visit.
• Specifics about any symptoms that you may be experiencing such as pain, fever, swellings, disturbances in sleep patterns, significant weight gains or losses or mood swings. Tell the doctor how often the symptoms occur and when you experience them. Symptoms are clues to changes in your health.
• A list of all medications that you are taking. The list should include prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. Include any vitamin or mineral supplements that you are taking. Such information is vital for physicians and pharmacists in looking out for potential drug interactions.
• Giving each one of your doctors the names and contact information of all of your physicians and pharmacies, which will make it easier to coordinate your medical care.
• Asking questions about any test that the doctor may want to have performed. Know what the test is, how it will be done and what you will need to do in preparation. If you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, ask about the treatment options and the long-term impact on your health. Make sure that you also know about any side effects or risks associated with the treatment options.
• Gathering as much information as you can at each doctor’s visit. Health care is most effective when there is a partnership between the doctor and the patient.
Larry Grimaldi is chief of information and public relations for the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs, Contact him at (401) 462-0509 or lgrimaldi@dea.ri.gov.
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