DOCTOR VISIT TIPS

Going to the doctor can be quite a challenge.  "Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide" is the perfect tool for patients to make their visits worthwhile. 

One of the first things you want to do is make a written or typed medical history to take with you, especially if this is your first visit to a new doctor.  Make a copy for you and your doctor. You both will be able to refer to it as needed.  This will save valuable time, and give you and your doctor more time to talk instead of flipping through your medical record.  It  can be difficult trying to "remember" what test or procedure you had 10 years ago.

Start keeping a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about.  Update the list before each visit.  This way you will be able to keep track of what has been discussed, and what needs to be discussed.  Try to talk about the most important things first especially those that need immediate attention.  Each time you go for your visit, you can refer to your list and take up where you left off.  Be sure to express your immediate concerns first.  We all know how short a doctor visit can be.

Request copies of your medical records from all your doctors. "The medical record is the cornerstone of keeping track of everything pertaining to your health."  You will be able to check the accuracy of your records, and bring any errors or absent information to your doctor's attention.  Let your doctor know about anything you do not understand, or if there is something you are unable to read due to legibility.  It is surprising to see how many doctors are often unable to read their own handwriting.

Stay on top of your health care with these tips.  After all, great health is true wealth!

MEDICAL TESTS  FOR CANCER

Are you getting the right treatment?  A recent study* of 307 closed malpractice claims revealed that many missed or delayed diagnoses in outpatients lead to serious harm, some fatal.
In this study, 30% resulted in death!  Adverse outcomes occurred in 59%. 

The most missed diagnoses were cancer (breast and colorectal primarily), infections, fracture, and heart attacks.  Fifty-nine percent of errors were associated with cancer diagnosis - or should I say misdiagnosis?  Most of these malpractice claims (59% again) showed that diagnostic errors were significant.

The most common reason for failure to diagnose was failure to order the right test (55%)!  The other reasons were:
-failure to follow up (45%)
-failure to obtain a complete thorough medical history and physical  
 exam (42%)
-wrong interpretation of medical tests (37%)
Some cases were cited where the doctor failed to check the test results, or to tell the patient the results.

This data is truly mind blowing!  Though a small study, it carries a lot of weight.  The percentages are phenomenally high!  How can this be happening in the most medically advanced country in the world?  The fact is, it's happening.  It is more common than we think - hidden, not talked about.  What can you do to keep it from happening to you?

Has your doctor discussed preventive tests for cancer detection?  Of course, you should have a routine complete medical history and physical exam first.  Using this information your doctor will know what tests you may need.  If cancer runs in your family, you really want to consider preventive cancer screening.

The medical history and physical exam give your medical facts.  Findings on physical exam may suggest cancer for which testing is needed.  Some tests considered for routine cancer screening are:
-mammogram, MRI - breast cancer
-PSA (prostate specific antigen) - prostate 
 cancer
-colonoscopy - colon cancer
-stool blood check - colon cancer
-PAP smear - cervical cancer
-complete blood count - blood cancer
-CT or MRI scan - lung cancer, brain cancer
-pelvic sonogram - ovarian cancer
-body scan (neck to buttocks and in between)

Screening tests save lives.  Talk to your doctor.  Be sure your doctor goes over the test results with you and explains EVERYTHING!  Leave with your questions answered!  Be sure to follow up with your doctor, too, to prevent any delays.

Get a copy of your test results, too.  That way you will know you were told everything.  Research your results and diagnosis.  Things you don't understand, ask again.  Getting a second (and sometimes tiebreaker third because you were told different things by each doctor!)opinion is a reasonable research tool, also.

Patients must be their own advocate and take charge of their health.  Health maintenance and prevention are so important to one's quality of life.  Make it an important part of yours!

Great health is true wealth!

P.S.  Remember to do your own monthly breast exams for both sexes, and monthly scrotal check for the males.

{*from AHRQ (Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality) reported in Annals of Internal Medicine, 10/3/06}

Blog articles at

www.mypatienthandbook.blogspot.com.