Partnering With Your Doctor
Have you been frustrated with
your medical provider? Do they seem to understand your concerns and really
listen to your needs? It is easy to place the entire burden of your health and
wellness on your physician but should he or she really shoulder this immense
responsibility alone? How might you improve your health outcomes by partnering
with your health care team?
To start, we must consider our
bodies.
Psalm 139:13-16
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me
together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.[a] Wonderful
are your works; my soul knows it very well. 15 My
frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately
woven in the depths of the earth. 16
Your eyes saw my unformed
substance; in your book were written, every one of them, the days that were
formed for me, when as yet there was none of them.
David praises God for the care
he took in making his body. He recognized the complexities of his being. He
even asks in verse 23 for God to examine his heart and to find ways he can
improve himself to please God more. David took a close look at his body and was
in awe. When was the last time you took a close look at your body?
Improving your physical awareness will assist your doctor
as he is making decisions related to your medical care. Advocating for yourself
begins with understanding yourself. What are your expectations for the visit?
What is your chief complaint? Take the time to become more attuned to your
physical being. Learn what is “normal” and what is not and communicate openly
with your health care providers about issues of concern.
Matthew 8:17 (ESV)
This
was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah: “He took our illnesses
and bore our diseases.”
Getting the Most Out of the
Visit
Before your appointment:
·
When making the
appointment, either by phone or online, provide a few details about your
concern so that a proper length of time can be scheduled.
·
If it is your
first visit to a particular clinic or physician, be ready to provide
information about diseases that run in your family and describe current and
past health problems and treatments. Write it all down if that helps and bring
past medical records, test results, and your immunization records.
·
Make a list of
the medications you are taking (or bring in the bottles) including the doses
and frequency of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as herbs,
supplements and vitamins.
·
Find a friend or
relative to accompany you to your visit. A lot of information may be presented
at a doctor’s visit, it may helpful to bring a friend or relative to help you
write things down, share medical information, and talk with the health care
team.
During Your Appointment:
·
Share your
symptoms, relevant health history, and the list of medications that you take.
·
Don't forget
about your emotional health; it influences your physical health.
·
Your health is
worth the physician’s time. Repeat what the doctor has told you to be sure you
understand and ask for clarification if needed.
·
Try to reach an
agreement about the recommended treatment plan.
Before Leaving Your
Appointment:
·
Find out if and
when you should return for another visit and clarify any next steps. Schedule a
follow-up appointment if necessary.
·
Ask if you need
to watch for certain warning signs for your condition, ask when you should be
concerned and at what point you need to call in.
·
If you received a
new prescription, make sure you ask questions about how it should be taken and
potential side effects.
·
Ask how to reach
the doctor if you have questions or concerns – by email? By phone? What hours
are best? How soon can you expect a response?
·
Don't leave if
you're uncertain about your diagnosis or treatment plan.
*Source: Center for Advancing
Health
For questions contact us at
lfleetwood@ecommunity.com or llauderdale@ecommunity.com .
Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/faithhealthinitiative.
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