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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
Anonymous
May 30th, 2021 7:58pm
You want to have a goal when speaking with your doctor. Ask questions and ask them for resources on paper. They will give it to you! These types of resources should be very beneficial in assisting you in getting the best and most professional help as possible. Speak with them about personal experiences and ask them for great advice. Make sure to write down the advice and practice it mindfully. This will give you an amazing personal boost of energy and will help you feel more energized as you tackle on your day. This will be very helpful for you.
brightRose731
June 26th, 2021 4:45pm
Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor. Talk to your doctor tell him/her what you do or do not want. If you don't talk to your doctor then he/she has to guess what is going on with you. Be honest with your doctor, don't be embarrassed or worried about being judge. The doctor is there to help you not judge you. Communicating with your doctor with help him/her give you the best possible care. It's also fine to tell your doctor medications that you are or aren't willing to take. Remember the doctor works for you.
MeditationIV
July 31st, 2021 11:03am
This question breaks my heart, in some way. It’s because I can imagine the kinds of experiences that would lead somebody to ask it. I’ve been in this position many times - feeling frustration, sometimes even hopelessness, at the complete inadequacy of many in the physical health care profession. Unfortunately, doctors are often not trained to provide us with the whole package. And human flaw & error play their roles here too, which can be irritating at best, and deeply damaging at worst. For example, most physicians lack the same skill-sets that therapists train towards, meaning that we often are unable to communicate our needs and be heard for what they are. This is not a good experience to have when needing a physician, but you will come across it again in your lifetime. So, what can we do to try for the outcomes we need? We can plan our communication ahead of time. When doing so, try to take a step back and visualize the greater picture of what has brought you there. This will increase your confidence, and will also poignantly demonstrate your capacity for insight to the physician, who may be affected to act more consciously in return. Confidence is important. Do not underestimate the language you use, and the body language you display. If you trust your perceptions, your physician will be more likely to perceive them as true as well. When you are unable to demonstrate confidence (even by means of acting), unconscious physicians will steamroll over you with the most basic perceptions their education left them with. This will make your intuitions and experiences with your health go unspoken, which will not only be unproductive to your quest for healing but will also pull you backward in your potential to heal. Long story short: trust your body, trust your mind. When something feels wrong, it feels wrong. Whatever the cause is, whether it’s a or b, x or y, it deserves attention. Walk-in with your shoulders back, and stand in your truth. A physician worth sitting with will respect and respond to this demonstration of your own truth.
HW46
December 15th, 2021 10:04pm
The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to have open communication. The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to be honest in your needs. The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to book and keep an appointment. The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to simply ask for it. The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to change doctors if you are not getting what you need. The best way to get what you need from a doctor is to be a good listener.
friendlyWhisper7648
January 8th, 2022 1:18am
Trying to communicate clearly what your expectations are and listening to what they say back. Be truthful about what you are experiencing and give as much information as you can. Ask questions that help make sense of what they say to you. Try not to get defensive yet advocate for yourself. Sometimes it can help to write down what you want to say beforehand and record their answers. Most doctors want to help yiu as best they can, but if you feel like you are not being taken seriously it is your right to see someone else or get a second opinion.
MoJoC
January 20th, 2022 10:36pm
To get what I need from my doctor, I must share all information with them whether I think it is relevant or not. Total honestly and transparency with my doctor is the best way to help them understand what is going on with me and what I am feeling. By doing this, they can better tailor treatment to my needs and my lifestyle rather than basing it off on their average patient. Without being open and honest with my physician, I can't receive the best treatment possible as they won't have a well-rounded understanding of my physical or mental state.
Fradiga
February 5th, 2022 10:09am
If you are talking about a prescription, most doctors decide for you what you need and it might not be the same as what you want. One does not walk in the doctor's office asking the doctor to order specific medication usually, just as the pharmacist cannot sell you most medicines without a doctor's prescription. When you go see your doctor, you explain your symptoms, he examines you and then decides if you need a prescription. It could happen that he agrees with you on what you need, but he or she decides for you. The pharmacist also may decide that some medications are not compatible with other medications you are already taking. Both those professionals have studied long years and took an oath to care for you.
Anonymous
February 27th, 2022 9:55pm
You should truly talk to your doctor/peditrician in a well descriptive way where he will understand your concerns and troubles that you are unfortunately having. Do not sugar coat anything and be truly honest on whatever is going on in your life. Make sure you are speaking with your doctor in confidence and tell him exactly what's going on. The exact information you need to get from your doctor(s) depends on the basis of your claim. You should have detailed records of visits, including medication list, dosages, reported side effects, and results demonstrating compliance with prescribed medication
AngelOfKindness
April 2nd, 2022 6:49pm
If you ever need anything from a doctor or consultant I say the best call to action is to give them a call, or send an email. Remember it’s always ok to ask for help, and if you feel you need some time than by all means go for it. Just remember that waiting too long can deteriorate your health and/or well being. If they are available try and schedule an appointment, so you can talk to them about what you may need whether it may be medicine or a checkup. I hope I helped you out with this issue.
Anonymous
April 7th, 2022 6:31am
You can get what you need from your primary doctor or your specialists by gaining clarity on what you need from your doctor. Start planning in advance before scheduling an appointment. Keeping your own notes and records to refer back to is helpful. Be intentional and purposeful. Plan by setting goals. And create action plans. Plan ahead so when you visit your doctor you’ll be prepared. Also, looking through your own medical reports and highlighting the most important information so that when you make your appointment to see your doctor. You’ll be organized. Being respectful and courteous goes a long way. Always, thank your doctor for his/her time and support.
vicivil
April 22nd, 2022 3:44am
It's important to be honest with your doctor about any and all issues you may have, that way they are able to properly help you. And if you feel as if you need something specific from your health care provider, feel free to ask them. Doctors are there to help you and if you convey what it is you need, they will most likely do so. You as the patient are given a whole lot of control over your care, and there are rarely restrictions on what you can and cannot do. It may feel very awkward and uncomfortable to speak to someone you hardly know about issues you may have, and it can be often scary to ask them for things. However, they are only there to aid you, and they will not judge.
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.