Effective communication between a patient and doctor can reduce the chances of error. Medical malpractice experts are of the opinion that open lines of communication between a medical team and their patient are imperative for excellent care. Unfortunately, many patients shy away from asking their doctor questions, deferring to their professional expertise. If you need some tips for communicating effectively with your doctor, keep reading.
Ask Questions
Never be afraid to ask your doctor a question. If you don’t understand something, ask that it be clarified. Jot questions down on a piece of paper before your appointment. Let the doctor know that you have questions that may require their time. You may be directed to a physician assistant or nurse.
If a doctor is not willing to answer your questions or direct you to someone who can, that should be a red flag to you. A medical professional should be more than happy to make sure that you understand everything that is going on with your health before you leave the office.
Take Information Home
Take notes during your appointment if possible and read them when you get home. Also be sure to take home any written instructions that your doctor gives you, and grab educational materials from the office before you leave. If the information you take home leads to more questions, be sure to contact your doctor’s office and have them answered.
Don’t Trust Self-Diagnoses from Google
No matter what you do, do not rely on Google to answer your medical questions. While some sites are reputable, many are not. You will only serve to scare yourself if you only rely on the Internet for medical information. If you are too nervous or shy to speak to your doctor openly, bring along a family member or friend who is more outgoing. That person can ask questions for you so that you are well-informed about your health.
There is not physician who should be unwilling to answer your questions provided they have time to do so. Be proactive with your health. When you and your medical team communicate openly, your chance of experiencing negligence is greatly reduced.
If you believe that you have a medical malpractice claim, contact our offices today. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to help you. Call now for a free case evaluation.