Do you have problems talking to your doctor? If so, you aren’t alone, but there are ways to remedy the situation, say medical professionals.

The goal is to work together with your doctor to make the best decisions for your health care. The better both doctors and patients listen, and are listened to, the better the chances for quality care and a good patient/doctor relationship, according to Dr. Michael K. VandenBerg, MD, a rheumatologist at Medical Center Clinic at West Florida Hospital since 1992.

“The most important thing a doctor can do is be quiet and listen,” he said. “Too often, doctors interrupt, and they (patients) lose their train of thought.”

If allowed to talk, to voice their concerns and list their symptoms, many times patients will tell the doctor what the diagnosis is, VandenBerg said. Then it is a matter of going back into the medical history and asking questions to fill in the gaps and form a complete, more comprehensive picture.

- Be prepared to ask your own questions.
- Make a list of your questions and have them on hand during your visit, VandenBerg suggests.
- Be specific with your questions and be prepared for the answers. Have a notepad and pen handy and, if necessary, write down the doctor’s instructions.
- Take any offered pamphlets and literature and READ THEM, he said.
- Between visits, make sure to call the doctor if side effects occur from medication or the desired effects of treatment and medications are not obtained in a reasonable amount of time.

“The doctor tends to assume you are doing fine unless you tell them otherwise between visits,” VandenBerg said.

TAKE THE INITIATIVE
VandenBerg also encourages patients to be their own health advocates and take the initiative to do some of their own research, both online and off.

“Some doctors find this offensive,” VandenBerg said. “I find it effective and helpful. People do come in with misleading information, but a simple explanation will turn that around. They can accept that.”

If you find that you are simply not able to communicate with your doctor or that you are not getting good results from your health care, it may be time to find another doctor.

“After five or six visits, a doctor should have a good outline for your care. The patient should be able to ask what the diagnosis is and what he or she can do. At that point, if you are not comfortable, seek another opinion.”

A patient will know when to switch, he said: “You must have a trust in the doctor. If there is no trust, or you are not getting answers, if the level of comfort and confidence are not there then it’s time to find another doctor.”

Half of the battle of good health care is in finding the right doctor. A good doctor with a good reputation can be found simply through word-of-mouth advertising, but the nursing staffers at local hospitals are also excellent sources of information because they are “pretty unbiased,’’ VandenBerg said.

Dr. Sharon Davis, a board-certified general surgeon in private practice in Pensacola since 1997, said that hospitals have physician referral lines, which are especially helpful for those who have just moved to a new city and are finding a doctor.

“Most of those people are honest about good doctors and will give you a list.”

Davis agreed that a good doctor is one who listens to his or her patients.

“Mine come in and tell me everything,” she said. “It’s just as important for me to know everything as it is for them to ask their questions.”

She understands that there are doctors who will stare at a computer screen rather than look at the patient, or who has one hand on the doorknob, ready to walk away while the patient is still talking. Her remedy for this medical problem?

“I tell some of my patients to go by the door and don’t let them (doctors) out until they’ve answered all of your questions. Tell them, ‘You haven’t answered my question.’”

As a general surgeon, Davis is asked a lot of tough questions. And, because her patients face some equally tough decisions, she wants to spend the time answering their questions, making certain they understand the medical situation, the options and the choices they must make.

“I just look at it as what would I want as a patient.”

Davis’ pet peeve is the 15-minute time slot allotted to each patient.

“I still take the time to listen,” she said. “I hate to look at the clock.”

Patients are also very much aware of the time restraints, according to Davis, and these time limits impact their ability to effectively discuss their health concerns.

That’s what happens when you push them in and out.”

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OFFICE VISIT
To make the most of an office visit, Davis has these suggestions.
- Don’t be afraid or intimidated. Doctors are human just like you.
- Try to be comfortable.
- Bring written notes and questions to go over.
- If the doctor starts to leave, block the door if you have to until your questions are answered.
- If your questions are not answered, it’s time to find another doctor.

An article on the American Association of Retired People (AARP) Web site offers a wealth of information on how to talk to your doctor. The emphasis is on good communication, knowing how to ask the right questions, speaking up and standing up for yourself.

Under the heading of Speak Up, are the following suggestions: “Don’t be put off by big words or a doctor’s impatient manner. If you don’t understand what the doctor is telling you, ask him or her to explain it again. Using different words or drawings or showing you a picture can help. Don’t leave the office without understanding everything the doctor told you.’’

The article also emphasizes the patient’s role in the shared responsibilityof health care in the following excerpt:

“Don’t withhold information. Speaking up also means telling your doctor everything you know about your body and health, including all your symptoms and problems. The more information you share, the better the doctor will be able to figure out what’s wrong and how to treat you. Don’t make the doctor guess. Be sure to mention any and all medicines, vitamins and herbs you are taking and anyone else you are seeing about your health, physical and mental.’’

For more information, go to aarp.org/health/staying_healthy.