We put lots of effort and energy into creating good relationships with people who matter to us. But what about your relationship with your doctor? Perhaps you haven't given it much thought, but it's one of the most important relationships you have - and it does require your input.
So how do you know if you have the right relationship with your doctor? And what can you do, as a patient, to better that relationship and maximize it for both of you? The following are points to consider in creating an effective relationship:
Become an effective patient!
- Make the most efficient use of your time with your doctor that you can. - Be prepared! Before your appointment, list the goals you'd like to accomplish in that visit and the questions you want to ask. If there's a lot to cover in one visit, fax a letter to your physician beforehand, so that he can be prepared as well.
- Don't bother your doctor needlessly. - Pay attention to what your doctor is telling you during your appointment and clarify if necessary. Valuing your doctor's time makes him more willing to help you when you really need it.
- Be an active, not passive, participant in your own health - Your doctor can't do everything for you. You have to be an advocate for your own health. You're also more likely to have your doctor on your side if he knows that you're in it with him. Stay up-to-date with your exams and pertinent tests and do what's good for you - such as not smoking or beginning an exercise program.
- Become as knowledgeable as possible about your own health conditions - The more you understand about your own health conditions, the easier it will be to interpret what your doctor is saying and to know what the pertinent questions are. Don't be afraid to ask questions!
- Keep careful records of all medical procedures from other doctors, etc. Bring any pertinent data with you to your appointments.
A study published in a 1999 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association reported that 9 out of 10 patients received insufficient explanation of treatments and tests that had been recommended to them - which shows a very weak connection between doctors and patients.
This is what you should expect from your doctor:
- He takes your concerns and needs into consideration. He's open to considering alternatives if you disagree with his recommendations - or be willing to explain why he's prescribing certain treatments or medications.
- He won't race through your appointment trying to get to the next one.
- He won't make an instant diagnosis without a careful exam - and he's prepared to order the right tests to confirm his suspicions.
- He'll explain prescriptions to you - what they're supposed to do for you, any side effects or special considerations, etc.
- He will treat you as a partner in your health concerns and not talk down to you. He will take the time to answer your questions.
It's your life - and your health. Make the most of it! 
