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Getting the Most Out of a Visit with Your Doctor
Getting the Most Out of a Visit with Your Doctor
By Dr. Norman Cheung
Your visit with an orthopaedic surgeon is an important meeting that can be most effective if you plan ahead. It is important that you give your doctor the information he or she needs to best plan your care and treatment.
Research shows that patients who are more involved with their care get better results. Lack of communication is a primary reason for medical errors.
The following checklist will help you and your doctor discuss the issues most important for getting the most out of the visit. You may also find this list helpful as you communicate with your other physicians or members of your health care team.
Before you go,
- Find out the basics about the office. Where is it? What time should you arrive? Do you need to bring your insurance care or a managed care medical referral?
- Assemble your records.Compile documents, such as relevant medical records from other physicians; results and copies of X-rays; and other imaging studies and lab tests and personally take the records to the doctor's office.
- Make written lists:
- Medications, herbs, vitamin supplements and over-the-counter medications you are taking
- Your medical history, such as prior treatments for heart or thyroid problems or operations, even those not related to your current problem.
- Your concerns about your condition (pains, loss of mobility or function).
- All questions you may have
- Consider asking a friend or family member to accompany you. If you need a translator, ask another adult to come with you; don't rely on a child to translate.
- Dress appropriately.For spine and many problems involving the arms and legs, you may be asked to disrobe. Wear loose clothing that's easy to take off and put on for ease of physical exam.
At the Doctor's Office,
- Arrive early so you can complete any required forms or tests before meeting with your doctor.
- Be honest and complete in talking with your doctor. Share your point of view and don't hold back information about issues such as incontinence, memory loss, sex, or other issues that you might consider embarrassing.
- Stick to the point. Be prepared when you speak with your physician and stay on the topic at hand to make the time with your doctor most productive.
- Take notes and ask questions. Take notes on what the doctor tells you and ask questions if you don't understand a medical term, the reason for the doctor's recommendations, or the instructions for taking medication.
- Ask what to expect from your treatment, what effect it will have on your daily activities, and what you can do to prevent further disability.
- Ask for more information to take with you Ask your doctor for handouts or brochures that you and your family members can review at home. Your doctor may refer you to an Internet web site for more information.
- Talk to the other members of the health care team, too, such as physician assistants, nurses or therapists (speech, physical or occupational) to address any questions or concerns.
When you Get Home,
- Review the materials the doctor gave you. If you can't remember something, or if you don't understand your notes, call the office and speak to a member of your health care team.
- Follow the doctor's instructions. Take the full course of medication and make sure you follow the prescribed diet or exercise routine. Remember, you are a part of your health care team too.
- Keep your doctor informed of any changes in your condition.
- Follow up with your doctor on test results, adverse reactions to medication, or any complications or worsening of your condition.
Questions to Ask during the visit, or later, if your doctor recommends surgery:
- Why is this procedure being recommended? Are there alternatives?
- What are the benefits of this procedure in terms of pain relief, functioning/mobility? How long will the benefit last?
- What are the risks involved?
- What is the success rate for this procedure?
- What is the procedure called? How is it done?
- Will the surgery need to be repeated after a certain amount of time?
- How many of these procedures are annually performed at this hospital?
- What percentage of patients improve following the procedure?
- What will happen if I don't have the surgery now?
- If I want a second opinion, whom can I consult?
- Will my doctor perform the operation or someone else? If someone else, when can I meet him or her? Is the doctor board-certified?
- How many similar procedures have been done by my doctor (or whoever will perform the procedure?) What are the outcomes?
- Will I need any tests or medical evaluations prior to the surgery?
- What kind of anesthesia will be used? Are there possible after effects or risks? Will I meet with the anesthesiologist in advance? Will her or she know my needs/allergies?
- What kind of implant or prosthesis will be used? What are the outcomes using this device? How long will it last?
- Will I have pain following the procedure? What pain relief or pain control measures will I be given?
- How long will the recovery take? What are my limitations during recovery? Will I need assistance at home afterwards? For how long? What will discharge instructions be?
- Will I have any disability following surgery? Will I need physical therapy?
- When can I return to work? When can I drive my car? When can I have sexual activity?
- Are there any written materials or videotapes about this surgery that I can review?
As the patient, you should request and/or confirm that the surgeon will preoperatively confirm and mark the surgical site.
If you participate in your own care, things always go better. Ask questions, understand treatment, follow instructions, and you will be on the road to recovery.
If you decide to go ahead with the surgery, check with your insurance company to see if your coverage requires you to obtain a managed care medical evaluation or clearance before the surgery. You should also verify that the surgery is covered by your policy and find out how your claim will be handled and paid.
Dr. Norman Cheung is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon and is affiliated with St. Rose Hospital and Washington Hospital. Dr. Cheung's office is located in Hayward (510-786-2222).
We welcome your questions!
Physicians on staff at St. Rose Hospital are interested in responding to your questions about health care and related topics such as health education and prevention.
Please send any questions to: TheDoctor@strosehospital.org