Past is the era when doctors were looked upon as "Gods" and their words were taken as gospel truth. Today there is a general feeling of skepticism in patients towards medical profession. In such background the interaction and conversation between a patient and doctor can be really confusing for the patient and his kin.

It is important that the patients and their kin take an active role in their treatment. They should work in close coordination with the doctor to achieve the best possible treatment. An important part of this relationship is good communication. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to get your discussion started:

About the Disease or Disorder...

• What is my diagnosis?

• What caused my condition?

• Can my condition be treated?

• How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?

• Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?

• Should I make any lifestyle changes?

About the Treatment...

• What is the treatment for my condition?

• When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?

• What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?

• What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?

• Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?

• If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do if I miss a dose?

• Are other treatments available?

About the Tests...

• What kinds of tests will I have?

• What do you expect to find out from these tests?

• When will I know the results?

• Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?

• Do these tests have any side effects or risks?

• Will I need more tests later?

Understanding doctor's words:

• If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.

• Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion (but you are required to take your doctor's permission to record the conversation).

• Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.

• Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.

• If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.

Getting the best from Your Doctor...

• Well, it is important to have the right perspective towards the doctor and the treatment.

• Remember that every doctor tries to do his best to treat his patient because a satisfied patient mean an advancement of practice.

• Stick to one doctor as far as possible. However, you may seek second opinion in consultation with your current physician. Consulting many doctors may cause confusion, dissatisfaction and delay in treatment.

• Pay him his dues. Remember you are paying for his skill, service and expertise, and for your own good health ........ things that are actually more valuable than most material objects.

• Take complications objectively. Complications are NOT deliberate blunders of doctors. Nobody ever wants things to go wrong, least of all doctors.

• Doctors know that good service and good treatment results for the patients mean good 'business sense' for the doctor.

• "Keep the Faith!"

Author: Sanjay Dhawan, New Delhi, India
Last updated on 31 May 2011