- Published: Friday, 19 June 2015 15:11
- Written by Candi Lethcoe
Your health depends on good communication. Asking questions and providing information to your doctor can improve your care. Talking with the doctor builds trust and leads to better results, quality, safety, and satisfaction.
Quality health care is a team effort. You play an important role. One of the best ways to communicate with your doctor is by asking questions, and because time is limited during your doctors appointment, make a list of questions.
*Why does my back hurts all day.
*Why do my knee's ache, I have sit frequently to relieve the pain.
*Why have I been breathing heavy, even at rest.
*Write down all of your symptoms and share each one with the doctor or nurse.
Samples questions for a test or procedure:
*What is the test for?
*How many times have you done this procedure?
*When will I get the results?
If you are having surgery:
*What is the recovery time?
*How long will I be in the hospital?
*Can I stay home alone after surgery?
*Will this medication interact with medicines that I'm already taking?
Remember: NO QUESTION IS A DUMB QUESTION. Write all questions down before your doctors appointment.