Boca Home Care Services understands how difficult it can be to get the informantion you need from your doctor visit. Here are a few tips to help you get the medical information you need.
Improve Communication With Your Doctors
“Hello, you have reached your doctor’s office, please press 1 for appointments, 2 for medical records, and so on. The office will be closed between 12:00 and 2:00.”
It can be so frustrating trying to get your doctor’s office on the phone. Before calling, have in mind the specific need for which you are calling. Do you want to make an appointment? Do you need a medication refill, discuss your bill etc. You will save time when you are clear about the reason for your call and how best to reach the correct department.
Keep in mind, if you require information about test results, your condition or the like, you may get the information you are seeking from the Physician’s Assistant. Make a note of who she or he is and their extention number. The PA will have more time to speak with you than the doctor.
Other Tips for Better Patient-Doctor Communication:
* Remember, not all questions have ready answers. You may need more tests or other consults. If it is a “why me” type of question, the doctor may not be able to reply.
* It is a good idea to prepare for your doctor’s visit. Make a list of your queries, comments and what you need to review together.
* Be more proactive, research for yourself as best you can, primarily on the internet or with your pharmacist. IF the questions are for your specialist, then your primary will mot likely prefer to the specialist.
* If care is for a loved one and not for yourself, be sure the doctor’s office, in the chart has your Power of Attorney or a HIPPA forms so that you can easily discuss their medical condition.
* If you have more questions after you leave the office. You may need to schedule another appointment as a consultation.
* Take someone with you to the visit who can also listen to what is being said.
* Always bring an updated medicine list, including supplements and vitamins to the office visit. Include, name, dose, when it is taken and who the prescribing physician is.
If you are dissatisfied with your care or any other aspect of your relationship with your medical providers, speak to them about your concerns and you may even end up changing providers.
