To get the most benefit out of a visit to your doctor, you should prepare beforehand! It really pays off to write down your questions in advance. Now there are resources available to help you get ready.
In my campaign to encourage patients to talk openly to their physicians I came across CHOOSING WISELY.
“Choosing Wisely is focused on encouraging physicians, patients and other health care stakeholders to think and talk about medical tests and procedures that may be unnecessary, and in some instances can cause harm.”
CHOOSING WISELY has published “evidence-based recommendations physicians and patients should discuss to help make wise decisions about the most appropriate care based on their individual situations” in over 30 clinical areas.
To learn more about CHOOSING WISELY.
You can practice by learning about “sinusitis”, or lower- back pain, or colonoscopy.
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Doctor, Did You Wash Your Hands? ™ provides information to consumers on understanding, managing and navigating health care options.
Jonathan M. Metsch, Dr.P.H., is Clinical Professor, Preventive Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Adjunct Professor, Baruch College ( C.U.N.Y.), Rutgers School of Public Health, and Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
This blog shares general information about understanding and navigating the health care system. For specific medical advice about your own problems, issues and options talk to your personal physician.