The National Institute on Aging has put together a set of tips for talking with your doctor.
The NIA points out that:
“You only have 18 seconds — that’s the average time a doctor waits before interrupting a patient. Be prepared for your visit:
1) Make a list of concerns in order of their importance to you.
2) Write down all your medications, vitamins, and supplements.
3) Note all health and life changes since your last visit.”
The NIA has a “Guide for Older People: Talking with Your Doctor,” available here:
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/talking-your-doctor/opening-thoughts-why-does-it-matter
Of that publication, I thought the webpage on “Getting Ready for Your Appointment” was the most helpful. I’ve copied it below. (This publication is available in Spanish.) It includes a list of tips on getting started with a new doctor.
And there are some useful worksheets at the end of the publication worth printing out and using. The worksheets list concerns, diet changes, medication changes, lifestyle changes, thoughts/feelings, other changes, and medications (name of drugs, what it’s for, date started, doctor, color/shape, dose and instructions). See:
www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/talking-your-doctor/your-convenience-worksheets
You could download the PDF and print the worksheets out from there. It might be useful to print out the worksheets and place them on your refrigerator door. Whenever something comes up that you think you’d like to tell your doctor about, you can add it to the worksheet.
Robin
Excerpt from:
Talking With Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People
National Institute on Aging
Publication Date: April 2010
How Should I Prepare? Getting Ready for an Appointment
Last Updated: July 29, 2016
Overview
– Be prepared: make a list of concerns.
– Take information with you.
– Consider bringing a family member or friend.
– Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible.
– Plan to update the doctor on what has happened since your last visit.
A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips will make it easier for you and your doctor to cover everything you need to talk about.
List and Prioritize Your Concerns
Make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Don’t put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment—bring them up right away! Worksheet 1 at the end of this booklet can help.
Take Information With You
Some doctors suggest you put all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements in a bag and bring them with you. Others recommend you bring a list of everything you take and the dose. You should also take your insurance cards, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see, and your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them.
Consider Bringing a Family Member or Friend
Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. She or he can take notes for you and can help you remember what the doctor said.
Be Sure You Can See and Hear as Well as Possible
Many older people use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor’s visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. For example, you may want to say: “My hearing makes it hard to understand everything you’re saying. It helps a lot when you speak slowly.”
Plan to Update the Doctor
Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also tell the doctor about any recent changes in any medications you take or the effects they have had on you. Worksheet 2 at the end of this booklet can help.
Request an Interpreter If You Know You’ll Need One
If the doctor you selected or were referred to doesn’t speak your language, ask your doctor’s office to provide an interpreter. Even though some English-speaking doctors know basic medical terms in Spanish or other languages, you may feel more comfortable speaking in your own language, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects, such as sexuality or depression. Call the doctor’s office ahead of time as they may need to plan for an interpreter to be available.
Always let the doctor, your interpreter, or the staff know if you do not understand your diagnosis or the instructions the doctor gives you. Don’t let language barriers stop you from asking questions or voicing your concerns.
Tips: Getting Started With a New Doctor
Your first meeting is a good time to talk with the doctor and the office staff about some communication basics.
First name or last name—When you see the doctor and office staff, introduce yourself and let them know by what name you like to be called. For example: “Hello, my name is Mrs. Jones,” or “Good morning, my name is Bob Smith. Please call me Bob.”
Ask how the office runs—Learn what days are busiest and what times are best to call. Ask what to do if there is an emergency, or if you need a doctor when the office is closed.
Share your medical history—Tell the doctor about your illnesses, operations, medical conditions, and other doctors you see. You may want to ask the doctor to send you a copy of the medical history form before your visit so you can fill it out at home where you have the time and information you need to complete it. If you have problems understanding how to fill out any of the forms, ask for help. Some community organizations provide this kind of help.
Share former doctors’ names—Give the new doctor all of your former doctors’ names and addresses, especially if they are in a different city. This is to help your new doctor get copies of your medical records. Your doctor will ask you to sign a medical release form giving him or her permission to request your records.