Your doctor is a valuable teammate in your quest to be healthier, happier and enjoy all that your life has to offer in New Mexico. Helping your doctor to make accurate assessments of your health and ultimately give you effective medical advice, requires you to be forthright in communicating your needs and concerns.
Your familiarity with what information is necessary and beneficial for your health care provider to know will enable you to compile helpful facts in preparation for your doctor’s visit.
Why communication is key
Communication is the pathway to an effective experience at your doctor’s office and is an ongoing process. It begins before you go to your appointment when you record crucial information about your symptoms, their frequency, what you have done to combat your symptoms and the medications you are currently taking. Recording your health history is helpful too. Once you get to the doctor, be proactive in discussing your concerns and verify that you have understood what the doctor has advised. After you leave your appointment follow-up to verify that your treatment is effective.
The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services National Institute on Aging suggests that you also talk about your habits and lifestyle with your doctor. When your health care provider has an idea of the types of activities you engage in, he or she is better able to provide customized medical advice.
Controlling your health
When you are aware of the kind of information that aids your doctor in taking care of your needs, you can assert control over your health and wellness. If you would like to learn more about how to stay safe from medical malpractice, please visit our webpage.