Don't Be Afraid To Ask Questions About Your Health.
If we fail to ask questions when we have an appointment with a
medical professional, we may not be getting the full value from
the visit. Asking direct, relevant questions of a doctor is not
an imposition. It is our right and is also in the best interests
of the doctor to provide all of the information we need.
Forgetting to ask questions during an office visit is a common
occurrence. This can be a stressful and hectic time and being
distracted is normal, especially if we are not feeling well. It
is helpful to write down any questions that you may have before
your appointment so that you do not forget to ask. You may also
want to discuss these questions with a friend or family member.
Another person may be able to add insight by seeing things more
clearly than we can at the time.
Don't assume that you are causing a problem by asking questions.
Most doctors appreciate patients who ask good questions.
Feelings of fear, embarrassment or inadequacy are not good
reasons for failing to ask the about things you really want to
know. If you don't ask, your doctor may assume that you
understand, or that you do not care to know more. He or she
cannot guess what your concerns are.
As you know, television and magazines are saturated with
advertising for various medications. Such conditions as high
blood pressure, depression, arthritis, high cholesterol and even
erectile dysfunction are being targeted by pharmaceutical
companies with new medications. The information supporting these
products encourages viewers and readers to "ask your doctor
about (name of product)."
Essentially, these companies are putting pressure on doctors to
prescribe their medications. But, in a way, the pharmaceutical
companies have made it much easier to initiate a dialogue with
your doctor. It is no longer unusual for patients to ask doctors
about something they have read or heard about. Consequently, the
dynamic between patient and doctor is changing. Doctors are
becoming conditioned to hearing questions from patients and they
are obliged to respond.
Finally, if you forget to ask a question or think of one later,
call back and ask! Your doctor should prefer, if you do have
health questions, that you get the proper answer rather that
guess. Guessing could be hazardous to your health.