Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi - (Page 12)

REHEARSE FOR THE ROLE Have you ever left an appointment with your doctor and realized you forgot to ask about the one thing that has been bothering you the most? According to Charles Cutler, M.D., an internal medicine specialist and a member of the American College of Physicians’ board of regents, you’re not alone. “Many people come to appointments without mapping out what they want to talk about and often end up forgetting why they’re there in the ﬁrst place,” Cutler says. So what’s the best way to combat this brief stint of memory loss? Come prepared by making a list ahead of time of the things you want to discuss with your doctor. “Almost no idea is better than coming armed with a list,” Cutler says. “It helps keep the conversation focused, and it can help your physician get a more in-depth sense of what the issues are.” But be realistic when making the list. If you have a lot of issues to talk about, prioritize—put the most important ones at the top. If you do happen to forget one or two speciﬁc questions, Cutler suggests following up through email if possible. “Email can be hugely convenient for everyone. It avoids the back-and-forth of trying to connect on the phone, and it lets patients really sit down and explain what the question they have is,” he says. Just don’t rely on technology too much. “Nothing can replace an in-person visit. But if you have a follow-up question or feel confused about something your doctor said, email is quick and can help you avoid an unnecessary return visit.” 12 SPRING 2 013 HAVE A CASTING CALL Once you are comfortable talking to your doctors, it’s time to evaluate their performance. If your doctor doesn’t give you time to talk, doesn’t take your concerns seriously or acts annoyed when you ask questions, it’s time to search for a new physician. “Sometimes choosing a healthcare provider comes down to a feeling,” Cutler says. “We often recommend that potential patients actually do a bit of an interview process before PHOTOGRAPHY BY THINKSTOCK SAY GOODBYE TO STAGE FRIGHT Want to give a ﬁve-star performance? Then it’s time to stop being shy. Your doctor isn’t there to criticize or judge, so don’t be nervous about letting it all hang out. Being honest will help your physician provide you with the right diagnosis, the right medicine and the right advice for preventing or treating illness. “Do not be afraid to talk to your doctor about your health,” says Erin Moaratty, chief of mission delivery at the Patient Advocate Foundation. “Many times patients may feel like their visits are too short, leaving you with only a few minutes to talk, but taking some time to prepare before your visit can ensure you use your time wisely. Ultimately, your doctor wants to hear from you—don’t let a rushed or grumpy demeanor prevent you from an open discussion.” If you are bashful about discussing certain issues like weight, depression, libido or incontinence, keep in mind that doctors have heard and seen it all. “Be honest and forthright with your symptoms, medical history, current and previous medications, past hospitalizations, any herbal or alternative therapies you have used, work, home or personal stress that may be affecting you, any other doctors you have seen and been treated by, etc.,” Moaratty says. “You should also include the parts that are perhaps embarrassing, like not following through with advice previously recommended by your doctor or altering the dosage of medications to save costs.” Your honesty about your own health can help your doctor determine a course of action, and can ultimately affect the quality of care you receive. “Patients should never feel embarrassed in front of their doctor,” Cutler says. “We’ve been trained to deal with all types of medical issues, and if you’re not telling us what’s really going on, we can’t help you as well as we’d like.”

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi
Contents
Opening Thoughts
Brain Power
No Bones About It
You're the Star
Heart-to-Heart
Lighten Up!
Have No Fear
Work It!
What Are the Chances?
9 Symptoms Never to Ignore
When Allergies Attack
Virtual Health
Botox: A New Miracle Drug?
The Doctor Will See You Now
Catch the Spirit

Vim & Vigor - Spring 2013 - North Mississippi