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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
amiablePeace77
July 27th, 2018 8:02pm
Prepare yourself by getting information about what you need (if it is a procedure/meds etc.), be honest and describe as good as you can why you need it.
Anonymous
August 4th, 2018 10:38am
Make sure it is a reasonable issue and always just book an appointment and spill out to your doctor tell them what you need and that you need their help. Be confident and of course the doctor will be more than happy to help you and advise you as well as maybe referring you to the person that they know would be able to hep you more.
Anonymous
August 5th, 2018 8:21pm
Try to explain to your doctor what your needs are, perhaps write it down to help explain. Ask them questions to ensure that they are clear and if you are unhappy with your doctor then dont be afraid to try to find one that might be more helpful with your needs.
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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! :)
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.
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.
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
March 12th, 2019 5:20am
It's hard, but you have to learn how to advocate for yourself. Tell the doctor what you need, and if they won't help you, you'll have to move on and find someone who can. You deserve to be taken seriously and given real help. I've had trouble with (physical) health issues, and there is a tendency for doctors to believe that they know everything. However, they really don't, so don't let them dismiss what you tell them about what you need! It's important that you play a part in making sure your treatment is the right one for you!
rakarat
March 25th, 2019 12:01am
You can get what you need by asking for it. Be direct, explain your situation as openly as possible, as well as politely as possible. Be honest and open. Answer any questions they have. They can not help you unless you are truthful, even if the truth is uncomfortable to discuss. They have heard it all! Do not feel embarrassed. It is normal to feel that way, though. If you don't agree with something they say, speak up in a direct but civil manner. Hear them out but also give your opinion. It is your health and your body! Remember, though, they are very educated and may know a bit more than what you realize.
QueenEllathe2nd
April 12th, 2019 8:28am
Without any context it is hard to give a specific answer- but my recommendation is to be as honest as you can with them. Someone also suggested to me to report your symptoms based on a day that is between average and bad. That why you aren't just there on one of your better days and not fully explaining the extent of your struggles.
TranquilLynx84
April 26th, 2019 4:20pm
One suggestion is to go in to your appointment prepared with the questions you'd like to ask, and a list of any issues you want to bring up during the appointment. If you find that the doctor cannot answer all of your questions or address all of the issues in that appointment, ask if perhaps you can follow up with her/him to get more information. You can also ask for other resources to use to get more info you need. You can also ask for copies of any tests or records you've had to keep in your files. If you want to bring someone along with you -- a parent or friend, for example -- bring them with you, and ask if it is okay with the doctor to have them present.
ThoughtlessDesign
May 19th, 2019 5:25pm
Be direct and honest. Ask questions, and be a strong self-advocate. We all have a tendency not to challenge the professionals in our lives, especially health care professionals. But no one can feel what it is your feeling, or know with any more clarity than you how difficult or painful something is for you to deal with. Doctors might downplay how you're feeling, or brush aside your concerns. Don't let them. Stay strong, demand with firm politeness that you are given the resources you need, whether that's trying medicine or speaking with specialists. You owe it to yourself. And you can do it.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2019 7:54pm
This question is simple, because like it says in the Bible, "Ask and you shall receive." The doctor is there to benefit you and is willing to help you with anything. All you have to do is ask. They aren't mind-readers, so you have to have good communication and a good relationship with your doctor. It's also easy to feel like you are asking too much from your doctor. Do not feel that way at all! They are there for ALL of your questions and needs; not just some. They are certified and well qualified. Any question you may have, probably, has been asked before.
MissLisa
July 19th, 2019 4:30pm
Often we get anxious at the thought of going to see our doctor. We make excuses up how they are busy people, how they dont have time for us etc. However we are just as important individually as all the rest of their patients. We deserve their time just as much as the next person. If you struggle speaking to your doctor and getting what you need perhaps write it all down on a sheet of paper. That way if talking is too much you can ask them to read it. Or it may be a useful took to check and ensure you havent forgotten to ask something which you want to know.
PositvityScarlet
August 23rd, 2019 8:28am
List out all the things you feel that you need from your doctor on a piece of paper or type it out somewhere. During the consultation with your doctor, you can take it out the paper or if your phone if you type it digitally and show your doctor what you need. Best if you can write down what you need and what or how you want the doctor to better support you. This way, you don’t have to think of the ways to get what you need from your doctor because you have listed everything down and now all you need is to show your doctor and work out a plan to help you and your doctor to work it out on what you need. :)
Anonymous
October 10th, 2019 11:52am
My personal tip to prepare for a doctor's trip is to write a list beforehand, maybe when you book the appointment. When I'm in the doctor's office, I often forget what I really need to talk about and what I would like help with. Recently I've started to write a list in my phone - I'll note down the main issue I am there to address, my most bothersome symptoms, how the symptoms affect me day-to-day and what kind of treatment or plan I would like to be put into place to help me manage the symptoms I am having.
Anonymous
October 17th, 2019 6:43pm
I find it helpful to bring a list of what I want to discuss (and what I want in generally) to my appointments. If your doctor doesn't agree with what you want, you can always go to another provider for a second opinion. You can also look at reviews of different doctors to find one that is more receptive to their patients' wants and needs.
RavenABandito
November 23rd, 2019 6:51pm
Collectively through my personal experiences the best way to utilize a doctor's visit requires simple things. Before you go to the doctor's know exactly why you are going, reason why you're visiting, their offices' requirements (policy, insurance, monies, etc) and going above to seek information about that particular doctor's office including their services, doctor information, and other miscellaneous things. Once you are with your doctor feel free to explain your needs, ask any questions, and answer his questions to the best of your ability. All these simple things will make sure your visit truthfully will help you in your reason for attending the doctor's in the first place.
MiaIvy
December 21st, 2019 5:03am
Write down how you’re feeling as far in advance of your doctors appointment as possible. Don’t just wait till the last minute! Take some time before the appointment to summarize how you’ve been feeling and what you want you doctor to know. It might help to even write down your list so you can consult it during the appointment. After your period of reflection, consider specific things your doctor might be able to help you with more specifically. You could try to do some research online, or just aim to narrow down your concerns into a descriptive narrative. Work to present your needs in a clear and concise fashion but thanks to your detailed reflection, you can be confident you won’t leave anything out.
Anonymous
December 25th, 2019 4:55am
Try to get some research on your condition, the possible diagnoses, tests and the types of medications the Dr might prescribe. If there is a specific thing you want, it is better to follow the format most doctors use to come to a consensus on your diagnoses. I hope things work out well. Ir would help if you made extensive notes on your physical, emotional and mental symptoms and keep a log of them to show to your doctor to convince them of what you want or need from your doctor. Most doctors are flexible and when calmly articulated with research the outcome is more positive
Bobofromnl
December 29th, 2019 8:17am
I guess it depends on what country you're in and the medical culture that your in but I think being clear with what you want the outcomes to be super important, if your not being listened too ask again or get a second opinion. You deserve to get the help you need to function and only you know what you need. With psychological issues, the only thing you can show is by using your voice . This I think makes it really difficult, half the time I don't know what I'm feeling but I know it feels wrong, but you need to use your voice effectively to get the help you need!
FrostWire
January 9th, 2020 3:37am
Well hello there; I'm Frostwire. I've read your thought and i believe that i can help. But let's first assess the question. Whom is the Doctor? why is it important that you have the medicine you are asking for? If the doctor you have been speaking with is ignoring the obvious answer; why? Is there a long term effect? Has the doctor used the medicine in their practice before? If so, what kind of patient? Are you already taking medication under this doctor? If so; is there anything about the medicine that would make (her or him) feel uncomfortable to put you on due to other medicines? last but not least; do you have any medical history of mental disorders that the medicine could affect?