Founded in 1986, the remit of M.A.S. is to provide professional advice and information over the telephone on all aspects of medical and healthcare matters.
ASKING QUESTIONS IS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF A
VISIT TO YOUR DOCTOR.
A common complaint we make when visiting the doctor is that we often come away with unanswered questions. Sometimes we forget, often the doctor may not understand what we are asking. We feel the doctor is in a hurry and that we may be wasting valuable time.
If you get enough information from your doctor, you are more likely to understand your medical problems and the treatment recommended.
A VISIT TO YOUR DOCTOR IS IN TWO PARTS
What you tell your doctor and How you understand what you are told
BEFORE YOU GO TO YOUR DOCTOR
- Make a note of your ideas and questions.
- Think about what questions you want answered
MAKE A NOTE IN ADVANCE OF YOUR VISIT OF ANY QUESTIONS YOU WANT TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR. IT IS IMPORTANT TO GIVE YOUR DOCTOR AS MUCH INFORMATION AS YOU CAN.
ASK YOURSELF:
- How am I affected by this problem? Have things changed?
- What symptoms do I have? How long have I had them?
- How long do they last? What brings the symptoms on?
- What do I think MAY have caused it?
WHAT DO I THINK COULD BE DONE? CAN I DO ANYTHING TO HELP?
- Change of diet
- Medications
- Lifestyle?
IS MY PROBLEM CAUSING OTHER PROBLEMS?
- Does it affect my home life?
- Does it affect my working life?
IT IS IMPORTANT TO DISCUSS THESE POINTS WITH YOUR DOCTOR
-
YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU
When your doctor has asked you questions and has possibly examined you, you will most likely be told what is wrong and what the treatment may be required.
- Do you understand what is wrong – and why? Why are they important?
- Do you understand any tests you may need? What are they looking for?
DO YOU UNDERSTAND THE TREATMENT?
- Why this treatment is best?
- How it works?
- What YOU must do?
IF YOU ARE NOT ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN – ASK AGAIN!
INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING TREATMENT CAN BE COMPLICATED.
BE CERTAIN YOU UNDERSTAND
QUESTIONS YOU MAY NEED TO ASK REGARDING MEDICATION:
- Do I need to take all the tablets/medicine?
- When should it be taken? With food/on an empty stomach?
- Are there any side effects I needs to know about?
- Can I drive/take alcohol with this treatment?
REMEMBER YOUR PHARMACIST CAN OFTEN HELP IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICINES AND TREATMENT OF MINOR ILLNESS IN THE HOME
REGARDING TREATMENT:
- Do I need to rest? Are there any special instructions?
- Can I go back to work? When do I need to come back?
FINALLY:
- DO YOU HAVE WORRIES? DO YOU HAVE DOUBTS?
Any concerns should be discussed with your doctor at the time of your appointment.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE?
- Do you have problems swallowing tablets? Do you have to care for small children?
- Any allergies to medicines? Do you have to care for an elderly relative?
- Do you need transport/help getting home?
REMEMBER
Your doctor MAY not be aware of other factors affecting your health? Discussion of these may help to enable support to be provided from other sources/services.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
ASK QUESTIONS
SHARE ANY WORRIES
HELP YOUR DOCTOR TO HELP YOU
This information has been produced by the
Medical Advisory Service
Charity Registration Number: 295953
Make the most of your appointment with the Doctor
last updated: 21st March 2011
CLEAR COMMUNICATION WITH YOUR
DOCTOR IS ESSENTIAL
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