This week I was enjoying some post holiday magazine reading time, when I saw a blurb in Better Homes and Gardens, that said:
On average, doctors will interrupt 11 seconds after you start explaining your symptoms.
The magazine then advises, to “write down the issues you want to discuss in order of importance and give it to the doc at the start of the visit.”
Well I think that is excellent advice. But I will go one step further. If you feel your symptoms were not fully addresses, follow up. Use the MyChart system provided by your doctor or hospital to communicate your concerns in writing, or ask for the list to be included as part of your chart – or send a fax to the practice with an update.
In today’s world of electronic medical records, often clicks are made in your chart that DO NOT accurately reflect your health, questions etc.
Good advice BHG – being an advocate for yourself almost always leads to better care.