medical speak in english

1. Write down any health questions that came up after you left the office.

This will help you remember them and help you prioritize the next office visit.

Ask the doctor or health care provider questions the next visit.

2. Research your diagnosis, medical condition, lab results, ect to help prepare yourself for the next office visit.

This may help you generate health questions for the next visit.

3. If you were referred to a specialist, research that specialist with the board of medicine in your state.

Call ahead to the specialists office to see if they would like you to bring anything, like the actual x-ray or imaging study films.

4 If you were referred to a specialist and were unhappy with the visit get a second medical opinion. It never hurts to have two opinions.

I always tell my patients when going for a second medical opinion, never tell them you have already seen a doctor, because sometimes doctors do not like to go against what was already said to a patient.

5. If you are unhappy with your doctor or provider or you are unhappy with something that happened at an office visit call the office to find out if they have an ombudsman, a community relations person, that can help resolve the issue. Or speak to the doctor yourself.

If you continue to be unhappy with your doctor or provider, or do no feel that your medical problems are being addressed, or that you are not being listened to, change doctors or find a new practice. The strongest message that you are unhappy is leaving their practice. Do not worry about hurting someones feelings because it is your health at stake.