How Good A Patient Are You
Don't wait until you're at death's door
If you have been coughing for four months, you can't expect the doctor to sort you out in 24 hours. Make an appointment when something becomes a problem, not weeks or months afterwards. Any doctor can only do so much. They are, after all, only human.
Pay your bill
Unpaid bills are a huge nightmare for doctors in private practice. That's why many doctors have now switched to a cash-on-consultation based practice. Don't get caught in the embarrassing situation where you have a medical crisis, but your doctor's bill has also been unpaid for four months.
Know your medical history
You need to know your medical history, especially if you have a new doctor. Which childhood diseases have you had? Any allergies? Which operations have you had, and when did you have them? These are all things your doctor needs to know before being able to treat you properly.
Be on time
Yes, yes, I know you've often spent hours in waiting rooms when doctors are running late. But keep your end of the bargain, at least. If you are late, you are just increasing the time that all the other patients may have to spend waiting.
Follow instructions
If the doctor tells you to stay in bed for a week - do it. If you're not supposed to drink wine while you're on antibiotics, don't do it. Remember, you are not doing the doctor a favour by obeying instructions. You're the only one that benefits from getting better. Oh, yes, and stick to recommended dosages. If one headache tablet doesn't work, two won't either. Maybe you need another brand.
Have the decency to cancel
If you can't make it, let the receptionist know. This is just common courtesy. Otherwise you are just wasting the doctor's time - and you're making yourself look pretty flaky.
Do your homework
If you have asthma or diabetes, or some other long-term condition, take the time to go and look up information on the internet (make sure it's a reputable medical information or health care association website) or in your local library. A doctor can only explain so much in half an hour. If you are well-informed, you are also in a position to ask informed questions, and in doing so, get more out of your doctor's visit.
Make a list of questions
Write down the things you want to ask. Invariably, once you're in the doctor's surgery, you can't remember a thing. And it's only afterwards you remember you still wanted to ask about possibly being allergic to your aunt's cat or your constant post-nasal drip.
Join a medical scheme
This is actually more for your benefit than for the doctor's, but it does mean that if you need to go for tests or be seen by a specialist, especially in an emergency, that cost doesn't prohibit him or her sending you for the treatment you need. If you're really ill, you probably won't feel like waiting hours in a hospital queue for treatment.
Finish courses of antibiotics
Many people stop taking antibiotics when they start feeling better. That's the worst thing to do, because the infection is not yet gone, and may make a vicious reappearance. Even if you're feeling 100%, finish courses of antibiotics. Always.
Disclaimer
This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that you receive from your doctor or other health professionals. If you are concerned about your health you should consult your doctor.
This information has been reproduced with kind permission Zahra Publishing, publishers of Easy Health. www.easyhealth.ie.
