Whether buying a toothbrush or a new car, it's become routine for shoppers to research before buying so they know all the options and can strike the best possible bargain.
Far less often, though, do people apply those tactics to one of their most important regular purchases: a trip to the doctor's office.
But medical services ought to be tackled the same way any other purchase would be, consumer experts say.
That begins with doing a little homework before going to see a doctor.
"Understand that ordinarily appointments are not very long," said Arthur Levin, director of the nonprofit Center for Medical Consumers. "Physicians talk a lot and don't always listen. You have to organize yourself in a way that you maximize the chances that the questions you have will be heard and answered."
Write down as many details as you can about what's wrong with you, suggests Don Powell, president and chief executive of the American Institute for Preventive Medicine. And then take that sheet of paper with you to the doctor's appointment.
"What the patient tells the doctor is 70% responsible for a correct diagnosis," Powell said. "How you describe your symptoms is beneficial in terms of enhancing your outcome."
You should note:
• Any symptoms.
• Medicines you are taking.
• Relevant family history.
• Any recent lifestyle changes.
• Any health concerns you've had on your mind.
If you have some idea of why you're ill, you also should try doing some research on your own, using either online resources or a medical guidebook, Levin said.
"The more you know about your symptoms or your diagnosis, the more likely it will be that this will be a meaningful visit and you will be satisfied," Levin said. "The less you know, the less basis you have for evaluating what the physician is saying to you."
To read the reat of the article:
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-08-20-doctor-advice_N.htm
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