Throughout this 2-day ordeal at the hospital and dealing with the doctors and nurses I could not stop thinking about that commercial.....you know the one with the chick is asking all the questions at the restaurant and then she sees her doctor during a health exam and doesn't ask a single thing...
All I kept thinking about was that we needed to make sure we weren't one of those people not asking any (or enough) questions. We made sure to ask any and every question we could possible think of not matter how stupid they may have sounded. Here's a few tips...
1. For many going to doc can be very nerve wrecking depending on the circumstance, etc. For that reason many times you're not thinking clearly so write down questions ahead of time...if that's too anal, take a notepad and write them down while you wait in the seating area.
2. When it comes to health, it doesn't matter how embarrassing or stupid your question sounds, so suck it up and spit it out. I'm sure you're not the first with that weird growth on your baby toe.
3. You are the customer (patient) thus you are in charge. If the doctor is rushing you, stop them and tell them you feel like you're being rushed. Its your right.
4. If you don't understand what you just heard, have them explain it over, (its OK!) tell'em to pretend you're a 4 yr old. Sometimes doctors can be intimidating because they're "Dr.s", but its never impressive when people talk over their audience no matter the title.
5. When in a situation where you don't like your current physician and feel like you're not getting the care you need, find a new one. I understand some people may not be able to switch but if possible, do so. Again, its your body and you only get one.
Good job US Dept. of Health for pulling together a thought provoking commercial.
http://www.ahrq.gov/questionsaretheanswer/level2col_1.asp?nav=2colNav00&content=09_0_videos
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