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How can I get what I need from my doctor?

222 Answers
Last Updated: 05/26/2022 at 8:27am
How can I get what I need from my doctor?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
positivechangesco
February 3rd, 2019 7:50pm
It is important to be open, honest and upfront with your doctor. Try not to be afraid to explain your situation and ask directly for what you're looking for. We often assume that our doctor can interpret what we are trying to say in a round-about way, this often leads to personal disappointment or frustration when we don't receive what we were hoping for. Be honest, open, direct and polite, your doctor will take your comments on board professionally and without judgement, they should then discuss your preferred outcome(s) with you and agree a way forward that you can both be satisfied with.
Anonymous
February 1st, 2019 3:36am
Being Honest. There is not penalty for being honest. If you do not tell the truth, you cannot be helped to the fullest extent. Your doctor knows only as much as your share when it comes to how you are feeling. They do not have the ability to look into your soul and pull out what you're feeling. You must tell them. It was difficult for me to be honest with my doctor because I was scared but I will say that I would not be where I am today had I not been honest. Take heart. Have courage. Step out.
ConallBranagin
December 20th, 2018 4:00am
Be honest, ask questions and if you feel stage fright at the idea of talking to a doctor, write it down. Writing down your question can help avoid many akward situations. Doctors can't read your mind. Remember that they are human as well and while they want to help, they can't if you are not willing to self advocate. Self advocating is when you admit you need something, that may be by asking a question, it may mean you do something different actively to result in an alternate reply or reaction. Just keep it straight forward ask and know even if the problem is embarrassing or not something you ever thought or wanted to say, doctors have usuallly already hearsd it, seen it or talked about it. Take a breath annd try it.
TessMo
December 7th, 2018 6:33am
If I could offer a pro-tip on doctors, it would be to always be as open and descriptive as possible with them. You need help and most of the time, it's your first encounter with the doctor so they have very little to no knowledge of your health patterns. Unless, of course, this is a family doctor. Then they'll be able to gauge where the problem lies with your current health situation. Otherwise, include as much detail as you can to your account; your dieting, exercise habits, how you've been dressing etc. There shouldn't be a problem after that. Hope you get what you need from your visit! :)
SaraHoffman
December 6th, 2018 11:39pm
Be honest with them. Tell them what's going on and they will do what they think is best. You might not get the medication you want but what they give you will be from a medical opinion. But you have to be honest they don't know what your going through if you are not honest with them.
Solas
October 26th, 2018 2:13am
The way to get what you need from your doctor if first to extablish what it is that you need. We also need to take into accound that what we need is not always what will be given. I would be prepared for the visit, before going maybe write down what you want him/her to know and what your expectatins are. Keep in mind, what the doctor feels you need and what you feel you need may be fully the same. Having a doctor who will communcate well with you is key, ask for as much information as you can and make sure you understand it.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2018 2:42pm
That depends largely upon what you think you need. Studies show that, on average, you have about eight seconds to tell your doctor what you're experiencing before they start in on you. On good way to make sure you say everything you need to say and stay on target is to make a list of things you want to cover before you go in, then immediately let your doctor know you have a list and you want to make sure you get through everything. This holds them to a predetermined course of action that you control.
insidesunshine
October 3rd, 2018 6:04pm
Go to your doctor with your concerns in mind and ask specific questions that you have. Tell them your experience with whatever you are dealing with. After they tell you what they believe you need, ask them questions still! Ask how long it will take, what should I expect, when should I come see you again, how to know if it's getting better. Do not be scared and withhold concerns you have, because your doctor is there to help you get rid of those concerns. After your visit, you should feel completely confident in what you were told, so before you leave make sure you have that feeling.
Anonymous
September 27th, 2018 5:01pm
You can get what you need from your doctor by being an “informed patient.” An informed patient is someone who has done all the research possible about their condition before walking into the doctors office. Add to that, come in with your notes and questions prepared in advance. This makes you more in control of your options as well as knowledgeable about them. In medicine their isn’t always one right course of action to do things. In this way, you and your doctor can determine what medically is best for you. Also come a bit in advance so you can calm your nerves in the doctors office as you go over your notes and questions. It is also best to phone in advance to check if the doctors appointments are on time.
Anonymous
September 12th, 2018 11:59pm
first, tell them what you feel. symptoms, both physical and mental. then explain what you've already tried to do to fix it -- if anything. tell them what you hope to get out of whatever it is that you want from them and why you think it's just what you need. don't be afraid to try what they suggest, though, if they don't give you what you want. they are experts, after all. but hopefully you can get what you need with a little explanation as to why you need it. most doctors are understanding. best of luck! !
Anonymous
August 26th, 2018 6:00pm
It is his/her job to provide care for you. If you need something, talk to your parents about requesting what you need, or just do it yourself. No matter what it is, that doctor is trained for this. If your doctor doesn't get it to you, they could not think you need it (or they may not be a good doctor). If you don't get your solution, don't write it off completely because there are almost always alternative solutions. You can always find something that works. Even if it takes a while. I hope that helps, if not, keep asking until you find something that does.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2022 8:27am
The way to get anything from anyone is through communication. Communication is the key and important component to being heard and understood. So I would suggest or recommend that the only way you can get what you need from your doctor is through talking and expressing yourself. Because expressing and talking might or will really allow the doctor to see your perspective and understand your situation or condition. Also talking about your condition and how you feel is extremely important as it will direct the doctor to an outcome or conclusion. So communicating with the doctor in a healthy way is very important for them to understand you.
mangomovement79
August 7th, 2018 6:39am
I make sure I have specific questions and concerns written down before an appointment to ensure that I have my issues addressed. I also make sure the doctor hears my own personal descriptions to avoid general or unspecific solutions.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2018 1:19am
The best way to get what you need from your doctor is to be as honest with them as possible. They are there to help and provide you with professional assistance. Doctors are bound to confidentiality and therefore can not share what you tell them with anyone else (unless you express you are going to harm yourself or someone else in the immediate future). Being honest with your doctor is the absolute best way to get what you need out of treatment.
Anonymous
May 12th, 2018 4:29pm
Be honest to your doctor. Open up to him/her about everything and be specific about what you need and about what you think he/she needs to know.
humbledbygrace
May 20th, 2018 11:17am
Be honest with the doctor. Tell them how you really feel, how long you have felt like that. Be guided by the doctor. They may not prescribe medication straight away, because there are other options that may work, either with or without the assistance of medication.
Anonymous
May 31st, 2018 2:44pm
When you want something from your doctor, First off you need a doctor you can trust and that you know will work with you, and wants to help you. Make sure you establish a relationship with them. Then you have to be clear about the symptoms your having, and be able to show him/her the problems your having. Maybe write all your symptoms down, so don't forget to tell him/her something during the visit. Schedule an appointment, and make sure you show up on time. If you by some reason you have to miss the appointment always make sure you call and reschedule. If you don't call in and just blow it off, it wastes their time when they could be helping another patient, then that leads them to think your not serious about the appointment to begin with. Make sure you are honest with them, and usually most doctors will be willing to work with and you can get what you need.
Anonymous
June 10th, 2018 2:28am
One way is to ask. I know that seems really simple, and I know it is way easier said than done. However, it pays to be assertive. Or, at least, open up a dialogue and be tell your doctor what you need. You can always switch doctors if you find your current one unwilling or unable to help.
generalanesthetiics
June 13th, 2018 1:39am
Communicate openly and effectively. Doctors are human too and may not always understand right away. If you are not feeling helped it is always okay to seek help from another doctor or therapist till you find the right fit for you.
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 7:39am
you can ask your doctor what you need for this. or if your doctor will provide you what you are seeking. though doctors will go by how the doctor feels about it. but be aware to talk about your doctor about what you need and be honest.
BeTheChangeYouWant
June 15th, 2018 3:50pm
Be honest, clear, and open with your doctor about the full truth of your symptoms and needs. Don't exaggerate, but don't sugarcoat or leave out things you are embarrassed about or don't want to admit either. Your doctor isn't psychic, and without clear and honest communication from you (even if it is difficult to talk about or open up about) they will not be able to diagnose and treat you properly to give you the care you need and deserve.
QuietLittleKaiju
June 15th, 2018 6:44pm
It’s important to be very specific when going to the doctor. Write down questions and make sure to share them. It’s easy to get swept up with anxiety when at an appointment and forget why you even had to see a doctor.
calmBlanket36
June 22nd, 2018 3:49am
Talk to your doctor and explain to them your situation. Doctors are here to help so it can’t be too hard to get what you need as long as it’s for your own good :)
lostgirlfangirl
June 27th, 2018 2:41am
Be honest with your doctor when they ask you questions. Tell them how you are truly feeling so that they can help you to the best of their ability.
Anonymous
June 27th, 2018 9:29pm
Be honest with him tell him what you need. Be strong. And just keep telling him what you need. Be strong.
HelpingStarlight
July 4th, 2018 7:30am
In order for your doctor to give you prescription medication, you usually need to be diagnosed first. So the doctor has to give you a referral if it's needed, that referral will then bring you to a mental health clinic to be diagnosed, they can then prescribe you medication. Then in order to renew the prescription each month you just go back to your doctor and get the repeat prescription.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 2:59pm
It depends on what you need, if it's a prescription usually the doctor's advice is best, however, you can have a sit down chat with them and argue your case.
incredibleTree19
May 11th, 2018 5:36pm
Say what you need, and give feedback on whether it's working or not. Give context for your concerns. Ask about and make sure you understand your treatment/diagnosis. Advocate for yourself, and speak up. This may require some energy, but it is definitely a good use. It may also be a good idea to seek a second opinion, if possible.
Anonymous
May 4th, 2018 5:43am
Being completely honest and transparent- doctors need to be able to understand and have full details in order to help, diagnose or prescribe... if you withhold you’re not doing self care, helpfulness or diligence to yourself- do self care and be truthful and authentic
Dlinepop
July 25th, 2018 2:54pm
Don't forget to say how long have you had the illness, when was the first symptoms occured, what should you do/drink to stop and prevent it?