How you could Improve your Relationship with your Doctor

Having a good relationship with our doctors is vital in getting quality and efficient treatment for our conditions.  However, some people don’t have a proactive, healthy relationship with their doctors.  They don’t contact their doctors when they have problems or questions.  This could lead to a relationship with our doctors that is seriously lacking.  But here are four ways you could improve that relationship today.

Keep the lines of communication open

Let’s face it- most people would want their doctor to be upfront with them about everything.  But if you want your doctor to be fully honest with you, you have to be honest with him.  Explain to him clearly your symptoms.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions or address any other concerns you may have.  Be sure to stay in touch with him regarding any changes in your health.  Your doctor will not be able to help you if you don’t speak up.

Show some patience with your doctor

Some medical ailments could be tricky for the doctor to diagnose.  This is why it may be best to give him a chance to figure out what’s going on with you.  If your doctor is uncertain about your condition, have a little patience if he is trying to problem solve.  “The best doctors are the ones willing to accept some uncertainty and not overact, because time solves a lot of problems,” said Michael Hochman, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Gehr Family Center for Health Systems Science at USC in Los Angeles.  If your doctor isn’t responsive to a treatment plan for you, consider a second opinion.

Share information about any medical specialists you’re seeing

Another important thing to do is to inform your primary doctor about any other medical professionals you’re seeing.  This means giving them the names and contact information of your chiropractor or physical therapists.  Doing this will enhance the team approach and cut the risk of conflicting treatments and duplicate tests.

Consider his helpful medical advice

In some cases, if you’re condition is serious, it may be helpful to follow through on your doctor’s advice.  For example, if your doctor admonishes you to keep your weight down, you may want to consider his advice if it benefits your life.  If he instructs you to take certain medications certain amount of times per week, you must adhere to his instructions. 

Sometimes it isn’t always easy to listen to our doctors.  But if we communicate clearly, show patience with him, give him important information he should know and consider his helpful advice, we will gradually improve our relationship with our doctor.  Have any other suggestions for improving your relationship with your doctor?  Please leave a comment below or share this with someone you know.

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