NIH Radio
NIHSeniorHealth Offers Tips on How to Talk with Your Doctor
Brief Description:
You can find techniques to communicate with your doctor by checking out the "Talking with Your Doctor" topic on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov.
Transcript:
Akinso How do you communicate with your doctor about a sensitive issue? What if you feel rushed during your appointment? How can you get the most out of your visit with your health care provider? Being able to communicate openly, comfortably and assertively with your doctor can help you make good health decisions and stay well. But some older people shy away from this approach and hesitate to ask questions or take the doctor's time. You can find techniques to communicate with your doctor by checking out the "Talking with Your Doctor" topic on the website NIHSeniorHealth.gov. The website is a joint effort of the National Institute on Aging and the National Library of Medicine. Dr. Judith Salerno, NIA's Deputy Director, said most people know that communicating with their doctor is important to their care, especially as they age and are more likely to have health conditions and treatments to discuss, but the key is to know how to have that conversation.
Salerno: We would like to encourage people to be assertive about their health care which means being prepared. After all you're part of the health care team and you're the key member of that team. Make list of the questions that you might have for your physician list your medications and any assistive devices like canes and walkers that you might use and not necessarily bring with you. Be prepared remember that your time with your physician is valuable time and maybe very limited so cut down on the small talk and get to the point of what is important for you and your doctor to discuss.
Akinso Dr. Salerno said she's optimistic about how the tips on site will be received by the older community.
Salerno: I hope that looking at the information provided on this website will help people communicate with their health care providers openly comfortably and assertively so that they can make good health care decisions and they can take an active role in their own care.
Akinso Once again the website is NIHSeniorHealth.gov. This is Wally Akinso at the National Institutes of Heath Bethesda, Maryland.
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