Can We Talk?

The National Patient Advocate Foundation suggests 5 tips to share with your healthcare providers.

.      Share some information about you as a person with your team.  Are you a vegan?  Are you in the sandwich generation of being a parent and a caretaker? 

          Write down what is most concerning to you.  Be honest and direct.  Your doctor does not know if you are having financial problems, relationship issues, housing concerns unless you tell him/her.

3     Be prepared for your appointment.  Write down your health concerns, keep a daily log of your food, blood pressure, heart rate or whatever is bothering you.   For a few days before your appointment, write down you pain level as it related to your activity.  Come prepared with data.

.     Talk about your feelings.  What circumstances might keep you from taking your meds?  Are you having concerns about getting to your appointments, to the grocery store?

5     What is your preference for receiving medical information?  Do you want a summary or do you prefer all the details?  Discussing this topic may actually promote a more positive relationship with your healthcare provider.

For more information about this organization, go to npaf.org.