Stage Fright with Doctors?
“Doctor knows best.” In the past we relied on our medical professionals to tell us what was wrong, what we needed to do, the recommended treatments and medications. With the shift in our health care delivery systems and the availability of online information and resources, this relationship has changed and responsibility for managing care has fallen more onto the shoulders of the patients and their caregivers.
As a caregiver, you are acting in the role of advocate for your loved one, as well as managing their health information and ensuring access to the care they need. Here are steps you can take to ensure timely and accurate communication of key information between you and the health care team.
Keep all doctors’ appointments, and be prepared for the appointments by having the following information available, and having some answers in mind to these questions:
Insurance and updated personal information.
Complete list of medications, including over the counter products.
Have a written list of questions you need to ask, and let the doctor know that you would like to go over this list with them. Prioritize this list so you get the most pressing items answered before the appointment is over, and speak up – being respectful but very direct - to ensure you get answers.
Mention any changes in behavior or symptoms you have noticed, with as much detail as possible to share with the provider.
Ask questions! You may not be a doctor, so you are not expected to understand “doctor speak” – ask for clarification and repeat back in your own words to be sure you understand everything. You have a right and an obligation to understand!
If you feel rushed or not heard, ask for an appointment time to be set for you to be able to get the answers and the discussion time you need for a clear plan of care and actions for your loved one.
Ask a family member of friend to come with you and your loved one, to have an extra seat of eyes and ears at the appointment, or to take notes for you. This helps to avoid missing any important communication.
Ask your provider if you can record the visit on your phone – to help you go over their instructions again later.
If a new diagnosis is made ask what the treatment will be and when to expect to see an impact.
If new medications are being prescribed ask about possible side effects, if the insurance will cover the medication and to understand how it should be given (with food, times, etc).
If a test is ordered, ask if insurance will cover it, where it will be done, if there are risks to having the test done, and how it will affect treatment plan.
Ask if a specialist referral may be warranted, you want to be sure to have the most informed and up to date medical specialist caring for your loved one.
Ask if you need a follow up appointment, especially if a new medication or test is being ordered, and to allow any additional questions to be followed up on.
Keeping a notebook with all the vital information and keeping it updated is the most useful tool. Each visit can be annotated and updated, and provider contact info and insurance information as well as updated medication lists and Advanced Directives kept handy in one place.
Should you need to go to the Emergency Department or the hospital, having all of your information in one place; and all the providers’ information and last appointment data on hand will enable the ED or Hospital doctor to seamlessly take over care.
Be sure to ask for instructions or treatment plan, updated medication list and discharge plan to be provided in writing. This will ensure you have the clearest information for managing any changes.
If there are changes to the care needs of your loved one that you do not think you can manage on your own – speak up. Ask if home health is an option, or other resources that can assist you in providing what is needed.
You and your medical providers are a team, with the shared goal of providing the best possible care for your loved one. Communication is integral to facilitating the desired outcome.
