Effective Consultation with your Doctor

Your Relationship With Your Doctor

• A good relationship - where you and your doctor share information and work together to make the best decisions about your health - will result in the best care.

• HOW

Improving Communication

• Builds trust between patient and doctor;

• May help the patient disclose information;

• Enhances patient satisfaction;

• Reduces the risk of errors and mishaps.

Improved communication and overcoming obstacles will barriers result in better health outcomes

for the patient.

Communication

Solutions…. Be Prepared

The best way to make the most of your limited time is to come to your appointment prepared:

• Write down all the questions • Include details on any previous visits to

doctors/specialists• Make and bring a list of symptoms. • Bring a list of all the medicines you take. • Arrive early • Bring your medical records/

insurance details

You need to be clear on TESTS

• What tests do I need and why? • What do the tests involve? • How do I prepare for the tests? • When will I know the test results? • Will my insurance cover the cost of the tests?

Discuss your diagnosis and what you can expect

Questions to ask about your diagnosis• What am I suffering from?• Is it confirmed or I need some more

tests for confirmation?• What is the effect on my life?• How can I learn more about my

condition?

TREATMENT

• What are my treatment choices? • What are the benefits and risks

of each treatment? • What are the side effects? • How good is each treatment? • Which treatment is most common for my condition? • What do I do if treatment fails?

MEDICATION

• What kind of medication(s) must I take? For how long?

• What does the drug do? Will there be any side effects?

• What should I do if I have side effects? • Can I take a generic version of the

drug? • Will the medicine interact with any I am

already taking? • Should I avoid any kind of food or

activity while taking this medicine?

Do not leave till you are clear on ….Action Points

• When do I see you again ?• Do I need to see a specialist? • Should I get a second opinion? • Do I need a follow-up visit? • Can I call you?

The Informed Patient

At the end of your visit you should be able to:

1. Describe your condition fairly accurately

2. Know what additional tests are needed and why

3. Explain your treatment including use of medications and

4. State if and when you need to return.

There Is Only One You. Your Health Is A Priority!

• Make Your Health A Priority

• Play An Active Role In Your Healthcare

• Be an Informed patient.

Check out  free e-learning course,

How to Get the Best Medical care !

This is brought to you by HELP

www.healthlibrary.com

Check out E tool for effective doctor patient communication

On www.patientsafetyalliance.in

Your Doctor Cannot Read Your Mind !

The More Organized You Are,

The Easier It Is for Him To Help You !

Thank You !