Information is power — especially at the doctor’s office. Next time you go for a visit, arm yourself with the right information to gain an advantage.
“It has never been more important to prepare for any encounter with any health care official,” said Dr. Mark Pettus, author of “The Savvy Patient: The Ultimate Advocate for Quality Healthcare” (Capital Books, $19.95). “Preparation is key. The more information any provider has, the more precise the evaluation and treatment will ultimately be.”
A savvy senior can make the most of doctor’s appointments by coming prepared with a list of current medications and questions for the doctor. These powerful patient tools will help eliminate errors, save valuable office time for one-on-one conferencing and help seniors become active participants in their own medical care. One of the most important things any patient can do is compile a list of current medications, including both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Seniors, especially, stand to benefit. With chronic conditions, prescriptions from multiple doctors and frequently changing dosages, such a list can be a lifesaver.
“Certainly people are taking more medicines than ever. And if you look at the senior population as a whole, they consume a disproportionately higher amount of medication,” Pettus said. “Most seniors are going to acquire chronic conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, and a lot of people will be taking on prescription medications, as well as supplements.
“It’s important to keep a list, update it, change it as changes are made and make a periodic review of the list,” he adds. “It’s an issue of safety.”
Seniors don’t necessarily need to review their medications at every doctor’s appointment, but it should be done on a regular basis, Pettus said. However, it is imperative that patients reveal all their medications, even vitamins and herbal supplements.
“We have very good data to suggest that as much as 25 percent to 30 percent of patients will be using nonprescription medications like vitamin supplements and herbal or botanical supplements, and we know that people are often reluctant to share that information with physicians,” he said. “There are still a few taboos that we’re navigating around. There’s still the perception that physicians who are traditionally trained may not embrace a lot of these alternative medicines, but the more complete the story that the individual brings to the table, the more accurate the doctor will be.”
Prior to any appointment, seniors should also make a list of their major health concerns and jot down any questions they have for the doctor.
Better yet, bring a buddy. Whether it’s a spouse, a friend or a family member, a third party can help seniors keep track of important information and offer support during difficult appointments.
“Seniors may be forgetful or they may struggle in their ability to understand and integrate a lot of the information that will be passing back and forth. They may be too proud to ask the physician to slow down or rephrase what they said or to clarify medical jargon,” Pettus said. “Often, having a third party can be helpful in clarifying information and perhaps offering another perspective.”