Eight out of ten adults had contact with a healthcare professional in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In Butler county, there were 20,329 emergency room visits and 6882 hospitalizations in 2013. With all this doctor-patient contact, there are also frustrations.
A Consumer Reports survey of 1000 Americans shows that the main complaints involve communication, especially a doctor's unclear or incomplete explanation of a health problem. Do you remember the last time you complained about a medical visit? Maybe you were frustrated because you left without understanding what your doctor said. Or you felt rushed and didn't get to ask your questions. Or maybe you didn't like how you were treated.
But, visiting the doctor doesn't have to be a frustrating experience. With many doctor visits lasting 20 minutes or less, being ready to give and get information should be your top priority.
Dr. Emil Fernando, MD, a doctor with Poplar Bluff Regional Medical center, suggests that patients bring an updated list of medicines, any new lab work and imaging tests, and blood pressure and blood sugar logs. "Being prepared," he says, "allows your physician to make accurate decisions" and "allows the patient to learn [about their health] and grow."
No matter your age, education, income, or family background, you can improve your ability to get the best health care and enjoy your best possible health. Here are 3 steps to become an active partner in your health care and make sure your doctor visits go smoothly:
Step 1: Prepare for your doctor's visit
Whenever you visit a healthcare professional, make a list of questions and write them down. Start with the questions below and add your own:
What health problems do I have?
What should I do about them?
Why is it important?
How do I take my medicine - how often, what times of day, and how much?
Where do I go for any tests, medicine, and appointments that I need next?
Ask a family member or friend to go to your visit with you to help you understand and remember the answers to your questions.
Step 2: During your visit, ask your questions and check that you understand your doctor before you leave
During your appointment, ask your questions and write down the answers on the same piece of paper. Start by asking the questions that are most important to you. Your questions help your doctor learn more about you and their answers help you make informed health decisions.
Sometimes, it may be hard to understand what your doctors says. Don't leave the office until you are sure you understand. Check that you understand by repeating the information back to the doctor in your own words. You can say:
"I think what you are saying is... Did I get that right?"
"I just want to may sure I understand... Is that right?"
Step 3: After your visit, follow your doctor's instructions
After you meet with your doctor, follow their instructions. For example, you may need to fill a prescription at the pharmacy, make another appointment for tests or lab work, or schedule a follow-up visit.
There are times when you should call your doctor. Call your doctor if you:
Have any side effect after taking a medicine
Have symptoms that get worse
Haven't gotten results of any tests you've had - don't assume no news is good news
Don't understand your test results
Want more information? Here are Poplar Bluff resources that can help you make the most of your doctor's visits:
For in-person help navigating healthcare and health insurance, visit:
https://findlocalhelp.covermissouri.org/
If you don't have health insurance and need care, contact:
Missouri Highlands Medical Center at (573) 785-6536, or
Butler County Health Department for WIC services at (573) 785-8478
To find a primary care doctor:
Visit http://www.poplarbluffregional.com/medical-services/primary-care to see a list of Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center clinics that offer primary care
Call Physicians Park Primary Care in Poplar Bluff at (573) 727-5500 to find a primary care doctor at Black River Medical Center's Physician Park Campus