Nine tips on how to be an informed patient

Boston, MA—July 1, 2004: The July issue of the Harvard Health Letter reports on nine tips for patients to get the most out of their doctors’ visits.

1. Bring along a family member
or close friend.

Having a second pair of ears to listen carefully and possibly assist in making decisions is helpful for both you and the doctor.

2. Talk to a nurse.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a doctor, seek out another staff member.

3. Know your options.

Even if a doctor presents only one choice, other options may be available. Ask your doctor about the full range of available treatments.

4. Set the terms of the relationship.

If you find your doctor too bossy or too deferential, make that known. If it continues to bother you, think about switching doctors.

5. Think through your priorities.

Medical decisions often involve tradeoffs that only you can sort out. Share your values and preferences with your doctor. It can mean more fruitful and focused discussions of treatment choices.

6. Use the Internet.

Despite the wealth of misinformation on the Internet, there is also plenty of credible health information to tap into it. Some quality resources include www.intelihealth.com and www.nih.gov.

7. Get your medical records.

It is your right to receive copies of your medical records. Getting acquainted with your official medical biography can help you become a fully informed patient.

8. Bring a tape recorder
to your office visit.

This may seem intrusive, but listening to an audiotape after your visit may help you understand things you didn’t grasp the first time around.

9. Find a doctor you like and don’t feel
 obligated to stick with one you don’t.

Do make a good-faith effort to work with your doctor. But don’t settle for someone you don’t like or trust. The value of compatibility with your doctor can not be overstated.

The Harvard Health Letter is available from Harvard Health Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School. 1-877-649-9457.