The Doctor-Patient Relationship
You think you've found the perfect doctor. She's got all the right credentials, a warm and friendly manner, and a nice support staff, too. She even has ideal office hours in a good location. Now, it's time to get to the business of diagnosing what's wrong and making sure that you stay healthy. Like any relationship, you want it to get off to a good start.
The First Visit
Once you've located the right doctor, you will need to make time for a thorough exam and evaluation. Make sure to set aside enough time for this appointment so you won't feel rushed, especially if you get delayed. This first visit is critical to helping your doctor make a diagnosis and determine your need for further testing and any work with specialists. Most important, it will set the tone for the future of your relationship.
Among the things you can expect at this first visit are:
A frank and thorough discussion of your symptoms, when they began and how they're affecting you
A detailed medical history of you and your family
Descriptions of any changes in your health, such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, weight loss or gain, and cognitive function
Discussions about your lifestyle, including diet and exercise habits, and your consumption of drugs and alcohol
A thorough physical examination and open, honest dialogue are important to help your doctor rule out other health problems. So don't be hesitant to discuss all your health concerns. You may find it embarrassing that you're having more frequent bowel movements or that your libido is low, but your doctor will find it useful information toward a proper diagnosis. Remember, he's probably heard it all before.
Keep Good Records
Now that you've assembled a medical team, it's up to you to serve as its leader. That means it's up to you to keep track of what's going on with your tests, appointments, and medications.
A big part of that job is keeping well-organized medical records. Doctors see hundreds of patients a year, and it can get hard to keep track of which patient takes which medication, or when he last saw you. When it comes time to see you, he'll rely on what you tell him to help him figure out what to do next. In addition, doctors can move, so it's a good idea to start keeping those records right from the start. Good medical records should include information about the following.
Your Medications
You should always keep with you an updated list of all medications you take, including the dose of your pills and when you take them. You should also keep a separate list of medicines you have tried, including the dose used and why you stopped using it, which can help your doctors decide what to prescribe.
Alert
If you choose to enlist an alternative health practitioner — such as a homeopath or chiropractor — use that treatment to complement your thyroid care, not replace the treatment of your primary doctor or endocrinologist. Also, be wary of any doctor who promises you quick relief, a special diet for your weight problems, or even a cure. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Any Doctor Visit
Record all your doctor visits, even dental checkups, in one place. Write down the date you went, the purpose of your visit, any symptoms you were experiencing, and any medications or therapies you were prescribed. Also record your weight and blood pressure.
Consultation Reports from Specialists
Any time you see a specialist, ask for a report of the visit. These typed narrative reports, sometimes addressed to your primary care doctor, provide comprehensive descriptions of your symptoms, what happened during the exam, and any lab findings. The specialist may also offer an analysis of the problem and a plan of action.
All Tests
Whenever your doctor orders blood work for a TSH test, an ultrasound, or an X-ray, make sure to ask for a copy, too. You might want to store this information on a spreadsheet on your computer. Over time, these reports can reveal how your health is changing. For instance, an annual increase in your blood-sugar levels may alert you to impending diabetes. If necessary, give the receptionist a self-addressed stamped envelope to ensure you get the information. Some doctors may even send the results or dictations by e-mail.
Preventive Screenings
When you have a chronic condition, it's important to keep track of all medical information, even preventive screenings that show you are healthy. Down the road, that information can establish a pattern. For instance, even if your bone-density tests are still in the normal range, they can, over time, reveal a decrease in density that may show you to be at risk for osteoporosis.
Discharge Summaries
If you're hospitalized, the attending physician will write up a summary of your visit, the procedures you underwent, the diagnosis, and your health status. If you have an outpatient procedure, ask for an operative report, which details your visit.
