It is good to know what kind of patient you are in order to establish a good doctor/patient relationship. Contrary to what some people believe...one size does not fit all when it comes to choosing a person to manage your healthcare.
Some people are what would be considered the "needy" patient...the kind that is anxious, most of the time appear overwhelmed and borderline hypochondriac. They are the type of patient that when they hear anything on the news about a disease...they instantly start going down the list of symptoms that they have that are the same ones they heard about on the news. The computer age is dangerous for them because it only fuels their fears. This sort of patient needs a physician that is very understanding and one who doesn't mind reassuring them. Over time with the right doctor they might be able to get them to focus on certain diseases that are prevelant to their family history and begin to work out a good prevention plan that will satisfy them.
Another type of patient is the no news is good news patient. These patients tend to practice medicine on themselves. They only will seek professional medical advice when it become critical...severe chest pains accompanied by shortness of breath, uncontrolled bleeding, or a growth that has grown to the size of a grapefruit. This sort of patient does good to have someone (a spouse, partner or friend) who will act as the voice that gently reminds them to have routine annual check-ups done. That person can also if something pops up in between that appears to need the attention of a physician encourage them that sooner is better than later. A physician whose office sends out reminders for annual check-ups...along with a follow-up call will be helpful for this sort of patient.
Then there is the know it all patient. They have read everything in the medical journals, has the list of all the medications they need and their only need to see a doctor is to write prescriptions for them. They have diagnosed and have the treatment regiment already mapped out for the doctor. With the wrong physician this sort of patient could be dangerous to themselves because some physicians to avoid confrontation will just go along with the plan instead of taking the time to do a full evaluation.
The idea patient is one who is well-informed, able to concisely communicate with their physician their concerns, and yet values the opinion of their physician. This sort of patient will work with any physician except one that doesn't believe that a patient should question anything.
Being proactive is the best approach. With this sort of relationship both you and your doctor are taking an active role in managing your health. If you feel strongly about something don't back down on it. Be willing to do your research. Be sure to present it in a way that doesn't question their judgment but offers a second option. If your doctor doesn't appreciate your need to be part of your healthcare team, perhaps it warrents a time for a change.
Posted By: Belinda Anderson
Tuesday, November 18th 2008 at 1:07PM
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