American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [101]
Vaccinations
Make the Most of a Doctor Visit
Time is valuable—for both you and your doctor—so make the most of your doctor visit. Be on time for your appointment, and make your questions clear and brief. Listen carefully to the answers; take notes if you have to. Try not to get off the subject. Deal only with present health concerns; your doctor will ask you about past health concerns if they are related to your current health. Identify and describe your symptoms clearly. Answer questions completely and truthfully. Ask questions, especially if your doctor uses words or medical terms you don’t understand. Go over the list of medications you are currently taking—make sure you include all vitamins and other nutritional supplements. Also, discuss any alternative therapies or self-treatments you are using.
Your doctor makes his or her diagnosis based on your symptoms, a physical examination, and, often, test results. After he or she identifies your health problem, make sure you understand the diagnosis—and don’t leave until you do.
After the doctor’s visit, think about what you have learned. Call your doctor or his or her assistant or nurse if you still have questions or if you are not sure what you heard. Try to learn as much as you can about your disorder and about any recommended tests or treatment options by reading books or pamphlets and researching on the Internet. Make sure the information is from a reliable source, such as the federal government, a reputable national health organization such as the American Medical Association, or an organization that provides information about your specific disorder. Talk to other people who have the disorder.
When to Get a Second Opinion
Your health insurance company may insist that you get a second opinion before you have surgery or some other procedure. If your insurance plan requires a second opinion, the insurance company may help you find a doctor and will pay for the cost of the doctor’s appointment. In many cases Medicare will pay for the cost of a second opinion.
If you are the one who wants a second opinion, you may have to pay for it yourself. But don’t let cost be the deciding factor. You have a right to get a second opinion. Try to choose a doctor for a second opinion who is not affiliated or associated with your primary doctor, and make sure that the second doctor receives a copy of your medical records so you don’t have to repeat any diagnostic tests or procedures.
Follow your doctor’s instructions completely and carefully. Take responsibility for improving your health by improving your lifestyle. You may be able to monitor some conditions at home between appointments. For example, you can use a blood pressure monitor at home to check your blood pressure or test your blood regularly for glucose if you have diabetes. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor if you have any problems with your treatment or any other aspects of your care.
How to Manage Medications
When your doctor prescribes medication, he or she will tell you how, when, and how often to take it. Find out all you can about your medication. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or pharmacist questions about each medication you are taking.
Your doctor will examine you regularly and ask questions to determine if your medication is working. He or she will make any necessary adjustments, such as changing the dosage or prescribing a different medication, based on the results of the examination and the information you provide.
The following general guidelines will help you manage your medications safely:
• Have all of your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy so that all of your medication records are in one place. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you about all of your medications and help you avoid potentially serious problems such as drug interactions.
• Take your medication exactly as directed. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. If you miss a dose, take the next dose at the scheduled time; do not take a double dose. If you are not sure what to do, talk to