How To Give A Good Medical History To Get Better Health Care
How To Give A Good Medical History To Get Better Health Care
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| how to give a good medical history to get better health care |
Going to the doctor is not a thrill for most people. In the sometimes unfriendly and hurried environment of medicine, patients worry about the care they will receive. Will the doctor give them the time they need, make a correct diagnosis, and provide appropriate treatment that is affordable?
A key to the ideal health care visit takes forethought, yet the end result will likely result in time savings and reduced angst plus provide a higher likelihood of a good outcome for your visit. What is this key? Write out a narrative of your problem in advance of your visit. This article explains how.
Step 1: Include the important details of your current problem
Timing - When did your problem start? Sometimes aches and pains are gradual and come and go. Think back to the first time you had a problem and use a calendar to map out the series of events.
Location – What area hurts or bothers you? Does the pain originate in one area and move around?
List all your symptoms – in addition to your main symptom, is anything else going on? Share it all, even if it seems unrelated to your problem. Pain, swelling, fever, nausea, skin changes, ears ringing, changes in bodily functions. Even something as minor as your fingers tingling might matter, so write it down.
What makes the issue worse or better? People try some crazy things to feel better. My engineer husband who is a former elite athlete is a prime example. He builds or buys contraptions for stretching, massaging, or beating his aches and pains into submission. Sometimes these experiments work and sometimes they make the problem worse. It is important for your doctor to know.
What have you changed or done differently lately? Especially for muscle and joint aches and pains, something could have set it off. Start a new exercise routine? Get a new chair at work? Did you really kill your New Year’s resolution and lose 20 pounds in a month and now have abdominal pain? It all matters. Nothing is too preposterous. By the way, losing too much weight too fast can precipitate gallstones.
What do you think is going on with your body? You know your body better than anyone else, and sharing what you think can help point your doctor in a direction and lets them know your concerns so they can be addressed appropriately.
Step 2: Share your past medical history
List all your past medical problems and surgeries.
Include all your current medications and dosage and how you really take those medications – most patients aren’t taking their medicines as prescribed and it helps doctors to know this information. Additionally, they can work with you to create a better plan so you follow through with what you are supposed to do.
Step 3: Include your social history
Do you smoke, drink a lot, or use illicit drugs? Doctors aren’t voyeurs and the good ones don’t show judgement about what you do. This information could be important in diagnosis to be considered and treatments that will be offered.
How do you spend your time? Knowing a bit about your day to day life can help the doctor put context to your problem and refine treatments.
Step 4: Write out your questions and expectations
Writing a list of questions helps focus the discussion to get your questions answered.
There are two bits of information you should understand before walking out of your doctor’s office – when can you expect to see results of treatment and when should you call back or follow up if you don’t get better. Many doctors forget to tell you this, and by writing down the questions, you can make sure they will be answered.
Send your narrative to the doctor’s office in advance and take another copy with you. Our health care system sadly puts the onus on the patient to get the care they need. Writing out your history and questions to help the doctor along will likely lead to better results.
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