Talking to your online doctor about a health concern can be challenging. Here are a few tips to make it easier on both parties.
Studies have found that doctors let patients speak for only 23 seconds on average before cutting them off; in one University of South Carolina study, primary care patients were interrupted just 12 seconds after the physician entered the exam room.
Ask Questions
Whether you’re talking to a doctor about your health or getting tested, it’s important that you ask questions. Not only does it help you feel more informed, but it can also help your doctor better understand your needs and concerns.
Taking the time to ask questions will allow you and your doctor to discuss the most important aspects of your medical care. And it will also give you a chance to build trust and rapport with the healthcare professional.
A doctor should always be willing to answer your questions and explain their recommendations in a way that is clear and easy to understand. If he or she seems hesitant to do so, it may be a good idea to look for another physician.
Be Honest
If you want your doctor to have the best chance at helping you, it’s important to be honest about your health. Lying about diet, lifestyle changes or risk factors can make it harder for your provider to accurately diagnose and treat you.
The doctor-patient relationship is a powerful one that involves a lot of trust. If you don’t feel like your doctor is being completely truthful with you, you should speak up.
But being honest with your doctor can be difficult, especially if you are embarrassed or fear being judged. The good news is that your doctor is very experienced and trained to deal with sensitive issues, so don’t worry about bringing up things you feel are embarrassing.
Patients were surprisingly less likely to lie during a face-to-face visit than in an online appointment, according to a recent study from Physician’s Weekly. But age and gender appeared to have an impact on dishonesty, too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Express Your Concerns
Doctors are trained to deal with sensitive issues such as sex, abuse, drug or alcohol use, memory problems, grief or depression. They are also aware of the different needs and cultural backgrounds of their patients.
It is important to be open and honest about your health concerns with your doctor. This will allow them to provide you with the best care possible.
Some people may be uncomfortable expressing their feelings about certain health topics to their doctors, but it is vitally important. They may feel embarrassed to talk about sex, abuse, or other personal matters with their doctor.
Research shows that if you are able to talk to your doctor about your concerns without feeling embarrassed or ashamed, you will be much more likely to feel comfortable and satisfied with their care. It is important to remember that your doctor is not there to judge or criticize you, but to help you stay healthy.
Be Prepared
It may seem like a lot of work, but preparing yourself for a doctor visit can help you get the most out of your time with him or her. Start by making a list of all the things you want to discuss with your doctor, including new symptoms or health concerns, medications and any questions you may have.
You’ll also want to make sure you have a good understanding of your doctor’s treatment plan and instructions before you leave the office. You can do this by bringing a notepad or smartphone to the appointment so you can take notes on what you hear.
Conclusion
While it’s not uncommon for people to feel shy about discussing personal concerns with their doctors, being forthright is essential for effective care. If you have problems with depression, sexual dysfunction or changes in your sleep patterns, for example, make sure to talk about them as soon as possible, and not later when they are more likely to be forgotten.
