Communicate with Your Doctor

Strengthening the Patient-Doctor Relationship

The patient-doctor relationship is arguably the most important relationship during a cancer journey. Open communication and trust are the fundamental building blocks of this relationship, and it is important to feel as though you can discuss anything with them. Sometimes this relationship is difficult to nurture, as doctors may use complex, specific terminology or patients find themselves intimidated by their doctor’s expertise.

However, this could not be farther from the truth: good doctors want their patients to feel included and able to speak up at any point during the appointment. After all, it is your health and you are ultimately in control of that! To help prevent “white-coat brain lock” during your next appointment, here are some tips and tricks to take into consideration.

Prepare for Your Visit

Compile your medical records. Keeping a personal copy is easier now more than ever before, since most records are kept online. Make sure that your doctor has an updated version as well prior to your appointment. For tips on compiling your medical records, click here.

Do your homework. Write down any questions or topics you may want to discuss at your appointment as they come to you. Prioritize them, putting the main 2-4 questions you want to address at the top of your list.

Document your symptoms and medications. Keep a notebook dedicated to your medical notes. List your symptoms and medications (including dosages) and document any side effects or pain you experience.

During Your Visit

Be honest. Don’t minimize or downplay how you are feeling. Your doctor needs to know exactly how you feel to prescribe the right plan of action.

Bring someone with you. Having a loved one accompany you can provide moral support and help you remember details from the appointment.

Ask questions. If you don’t understand something, ask for clarification. Your doctor is there to guide you, so don’t be afraid to ask about side effects, options, or even “what happens if I do nothing?”

After Your Visit

Update your medical records. Take notes about what occurred during your visit, and keep your records up to date.

Follow-up. If your concerns weren’t fully addressed, ask for a follow-up appointment. Don’t hesitate to request another appointment to cover all your needs.

Stay in touch. Figure out the best way to communicate with your doctor between appointments and use it when needed. Each patient-doctor relationship is unique, and this is true for everyone, even those that have multiple doctors or specialists: no two relationships are identical. The underlying principles for every relationship, though, are trust and open communication. The tips listed above should serve as a guide to help you make the most of your appointment visits and facilitate efficient, effective communication with your doctor. Remember that you are in charge of your health, and your doctor is there to help you make the most of that. CMN Hospital is available to communicate with you. You may schedule a video consultation with Dr. Payan at CMN Hospital please contact us here.

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Each patient-doctor relationship is unique, and this is true for everyone, even those that have multiple doctors or specialists: no two relationships are identical. The underlying principles for every relationship, though, are trust and open communication. The tips listed above should serve as a guide to help you make the most of your appointment visits and facilitate efficient, effective communication with your doctor. Remember that you are in charge of your health, and your doctor is there to help you make the most of that.

CMN Hospital is available to communicate with you. You may schedule a video consultation with Dr. Payan at CMN Hospital please contact us here.