Doctor’s appointments can be as frustrating as they are necessary, especially if arthritis is not the only reason you’re in the office.
In fact, studies have found that the more chronic conditions you have – and most adult primary care patients have at least two – the less likely you are to be satisfied with your doctor’s care.
At least part of the reason for that is time, says Larry Mauksch, a senior lecturer on family medicine at the University of Washington in Seattle who studies doctor-patient communication. He authored a review of effective doctor-patient communication strategies in the July 14, 2008 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine.
“The evidence suggests that the length of the visit with the physician has not decreased as much as doctors and patients think it has,” Mauksch says. “What has changed is the amount of time available for a meaningful exchange.”
Doctors today are required by the government, insurance companies and professional organizations to carefully document nearly every aspect of patient care – from how they protect your privacy in the waiting room to how often and how long they wash their hands.
“All these extra requirements come into the medical encounter and take time,” says Mauksch.
But there is a way, even with so many demands on your doctor’s time, to have your complaints heard and get your most important needs met – all within that 18-minute window.
And the best news is that even if your doctor is not gifted with a wonderful bedside manner, there are concrete things that you can do to enhance communication.
Establishing an effective dialogue has benefits that go beyond the exam room.
Several studies by researchers at the University of California at Irvine have demonstrated that good doctor-patient communication resulted in lower blood sugar levels in diabetic patients and lower blood pressure for patients with hypertension. Other studies have found that positive doctor-patient visits result in reduced pain for patients with cancer and other illnesses.
But the converse is also true: Miscommunication with you doctor isn’t just aggravating; it can be life-threatening.
“Unless we are really trained and activated,” Mauksch says, “we tend to give up a lot of power to physicians.” And studies have shown that the more equal the relationship between doctor and patient is, the more likely it will translate into health benefits.
Here are the ways you can take charge at each stage of your visit, and communication strategies that will ensure you feel better before you even leave the office.
Before the Visit
Put pen to paper.
Make a list of all the reasons you want to see the doctor. These may include everything from unexplained aches and pains to prescription refill requests to questions you have about something you read on the Internet.
Mauksch says it’s also a good idea to prioritize the list so you can tell your doctor what’s most important to address at that visit.
KEEP THE FAITH
I would tell anyone who is unhappy with their Dr. to please try to find another one. I can't imagine going through R.A. and Fibromyalgia without my wonderful Doctor.
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