While many of us leave our doctor’s office or log off from a telemedicine visit wishing we had asked this question or that, and we are not alone. Healthcare providers also say there are questions they wish their patients would be more proactive about asking. These types of question can include deciphering test results or explaining what a new medication will do for them, why they need it, and how to take it. In fact many healthcare professionals think “a curious patient is a healthy patient.”
One of the areas doctors say patients should ask more about is preventive care. This would include what vaccines and routine tests are appropriate for our age as well as tests based on our own personal medical history. This would include advanced genetic testing for certain conditions such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer or colon cancer. In addition since most of us do it, check with your doctor about which medical websites they trust for accurate information on the web.
Professionals say patients with high blood pressure need to know how hypertension can affect them and should ask questions regarding the lifestyle changes they need to take. Also they need to know what symptoms to watch out for and how they can monitor their own BP from home.
Other good questions to ask your physician includes if they have experience treating someone with a disease or cancer like yours. Dr. Jack Jacoub, an oncologist and medical director at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in California, explains that, “Experience is critical in managing complex cancer cases." Lastly don’t hesitate to let your doctor know about a fear you have regarding any symptoms or pain you may be experiencing. Ask for an explanation of what might be causing the problem and ask about any test they think you should have done. Eliminating our fears and finding the answer to a health problem can be very reassuring.
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Source: health.usnews.com/conditions/slideshows/questions-doctors-wish-their-patients-would-ask?slide=10&src=usn_nl_yourhealth
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