American Medical Association Guide to Talking to Your Doctor pot

[...]... or affordable Therefore your doctor will base your checkups, tests, and treatments on factors that are specific to you, such as your 13 c02.qxd 7/25/01 10:55 AM Page 14 14 AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR gender, age, personal health history, family health history, and lifestyle Personal Health History Your doctor keeps a record of your health and medical care at the office... there is a way to solve the problem before you look for another doctor It’s important that you have confidence in your doctor In a calm, courteous way, let the doctor know about the difficulty you’ve been having getting in to see her She is probably c01.qxd 7/25/01 10:52 AM Page 8 8 AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR unaware of the problem and will be happy to have your input If... ● To put in place advance directives such as a living will or durable power of attorney for healthcare to help ensure that your healthcare preferences are honored if you are not able to speak for yourself ● To have your privacy respected regarding all aspects of your health and healthcare c01.qxd 7/25/01 10:52 AM Page 10 10 AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR ● To have your. .. Introduction Today the emphasis in health and medical care is on prevention The American Medical Association Guide to Talking to Your Doctor focuses on the importance of an effective patient -doctor relationship in improving and maintaining your health and reducing your health risks Use this book as a tool to become an informed, active healthcare participant and to take control of your health and medical. .. without your consent is limited You are, however, entitled to look at your medical records and to have a copy of them If you want to see or if you need a copy of your medical records, ask your doctor or healthcare provider c02.qxd 7/25/01 10:55 AM Page 23 WHAT YOUR DOCTOR WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT YOU 23 Your Child’s Health History In addition to keeping track of your own health history, it is a good idea to. .. What Your Doctor Wants to Know about You Your doctor needs certain information about you, such as details about your past and current health, your previous medical care, and your health habits, behaviors, and attitudes This information will help your doctor get to know you better so that he or she can provide the best possible care This information is also the foundation upon which you and your doctor. .. An Active Partnership Your relationship with your doctor is a working partnership with a common goal: to keep you healthy When choosing a doctor, look for someone who takes the time to listen to your concerns and who answers your questions clearly and in a reassuring tone You want to have confidence in the doctor and feel comfortable enough with him or her to be able to express your concerns openly The... with your doctor ● Follow your doctor s instructions completely and carefully ● Tell your doctor if you have problems with your treatment ● Acknowledge the effect that your lifestyle can have on your health and take responsibility for improving your lifestyle ● Become familiar with the benefits provided by your healthcare plan c02.qxd 7/25/01 10:55 AM Page 12 Providing Information To help your doctor. .. collected in these medical files is what makes up your personal health history The files are updated each time you visit your doctor It is a good idea to keep track of your own health history Knowledge of your personal health history can help you understand your health risks and get the medical care you need Your health history should include essential information about your health and your lifestyle The... MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GUIDE TO TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR and state laws and regulations in this area vary from state to state Protecting confidentiality of medical records is an important aspect of the patient -doctor relationship Most people believe that this information should be viewed and used only by their doctor and authorized office staff Their fear is that a third party might gain access to their medical . alt="" Guide to Talking to Your Doctor ffirs.qxd 8/13/01 1:31 PM Page i Other books by the American Medical Association American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men’s Health American Medical. Medical Association Guide to Home Caregiving American Medical Association Family Medical Guide American Medical Association Complete Guide to Women’s Health American Medical Association Complete Guide. Care American Medical Association Essential Guide to Menopause American Medical Association Essential Guide to Hypertension ffirs.qxd 8/13/01 1:31 PM Page ii Guide to Talking to Your Doctor Angela