Macular Degeneration 101

Patient & Doctor

Communication is defined as “the imparting or interchange of thoughts” in the Random House American College Dictionary.

It is of particular importance in the patient/doctor relationship. Advance planningand the willingness to “make a list” can enhance the time you spend with your physician and enable you to more clearly follow his/her advice and direction.

Research shows that only 15 percent of patients fully understand what their doctors tell them, and that 50 percent leave their doctors’ offices uncertain of what they are supposed to do to take care of themselves. Studies suggest that women are better than men at building relationships with their doctors. The typical number of questions a male patient asks during a 15-minute doctor’s visit is zero, while women average six, according to a study by Dr. Sherrie H. Kaplan, an associate dean in the College of Medicine at the University of California, Irvine, a leading researcher in this field. *

Research has also shown that there is a clear connection between positive doctor-patient relationships and improvements in the patients’ health.

Plan what you wish to say, what you want to ask at your next medical appointment by making a listof the issues, questions and concerns that you want to discuss when you see your doctor. Do not do this “at the last minute.” Keep a running list and add questions, as they arise. In this way, you will not waste your time or your doctor’s time.

It is helpful to know your family’s health history and share it with your doctor. This may help your doctor to know what screening tests to use and what symptoms to be aware of as your care continues.

Write down all medications that you currently take, including herbs, supplements, etc. and be prepared to leave the list with your doctor for your permanent medical record. This information is vital for your physician to know, if he/she must prescribe additional or new prescriptions and especially if you are having surgery.

Keep a “pain chart.” If you are having pain, keep a chart, and take it with you to your doctor’s appointment. Be specific in describing what it feels like, when it happens, what seemed to cause it, how long it lasts.

Take someone with you if you think this might be a stressful appointment. If you are very concerned or nervous, you may not remember all of the information given to you or you may forget to ask your questions. You may also want to consider taking a tape recorder with you so that you can tape important information and share it with others.

Do not be afraid to ask your doctor to explain any word, phrase or direction that he/she discusses with you and you do not understand. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

Another strategy is to reflect back what you think you heard the doctor say, “…you want me to take this pill each morning before I eat.” The doctor will correct you, if you are wrong.

* The New York Times, June 1, 2004