Do you visits make your doctor cringe? Take our quiz to find out if you’re a pleasure or a pain
If you worry that your question, concerns and problems are a bother to your doctor, relax. “A good patient takes an interest and is engaged in our discussion about her health,” says Michael Fleming, a doctor and president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Answer true or false:
1. It’s OK to challenge your doctor’s recommendations if they seem wrong.
2. Your doctor would be offended if he knew you wanted a second opinion.
3. Physicians hate it when you look for health information online.
4. You should bring background information to your appointments.
5. Doctors need to know if you’re using alternative treatments.
Answers:
1. True. As long as you don’t do it in an adversarial way, it’s perfectly acceptable to question why your doctor is recommending something, says Dr Rebecca Patchin, a spokesperson for the American Medical Association. After all, it’s your health that’s at issue.
2. False. As a courtesy, tell your doctor that you’re seeking another opinion, says Fleming. Who knows? He may be able to recommend someone. In addition, says Patchin, it’s coomon practice, and doctors appreciate having another shysician weigh in.
3. False, for the most part. “I much prefer to have and educated patient than someone who doesn’t care,” says Fleming. But don’t believe everything you read: Stick to credible websites, like those of the government, a university or a reputable medical association.
4. True. Bring a list of your questions or concerns, and bring all your medications. “This way I’ll know what other physicians have given you, and by looking at the dosage and date, I can tell whether or not you’re taking them,” says Fleming.
5. True. Your doctor will want to know why – maybe she can help too. Also, some therapies interfere with medications, says Patchin.
