Counseling Corner: Making Doctor Visits Less Stressful and More Productive
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The result is that a visit to the doctor can be a stressful and frustrating experience. We're worried about our illness or symptoms, intimidated by that white coat, confused by the medical jargon and perhaps feeling slightly rushed.
The answer is to take steps that can help minimize the stress of a doctor visit while also helping insure that you're getting the most from that visit.
A starting point is to be what counseling professionals call "appropriately assertive." That simply means speaking clearly and directly while also being aware of both your and the other person's needs. You want to establish a climate of mutual respect that acknowledges the doctor's busy schedule as well as your needs to have your questions answered.
Start by writing a list of your health questions, leaving space for the answers. Tell your doctor you have questions and ask if he'd like to answer them before or after the exam.
If you find your doctor is using medical jargon or technical terms, politely ask him or her to restate what's being said in simpler terms. Doctors don't mean to confuse, but sometimes what are common terms to them are confusing to their patients. Don't just passively listen, pretending to understand.
If a doctor visit makes you too nervous to really hear what's being said, consider bringing a friend or family member along as a second set of ears. Or, with the doctor's permission, recording answers with a small tape recorder or MP3 player will allow you to be sure not to miss anything.
Your goal is to get the information you need. Assertive communication means being politely proactive. Ask follow-up questions if something is unclear. If the doctor advises waiting to see what develops, ask for specifics on time and what type of developments to look for. At the end, summarize what you you've heard about your diagnosis and possible treatments. Give the doctor a chance to correct anything you may have misinterpreted.
Having open communications between doctor and patient makes it easier for patients to voice their fears, anxieties and needs. When doctors and patients work as partners, communicating effectively with each other, the result is the best care for the patient.
The Counseling Corner is provided as a public service by the American Counseling Association, the nation's largest organization of counseling professionals. Learn more about the counseling profession at www.counseling.org.
