Talking To Your Doctor
 
Good communication, essential to every relationship, is also necessary between patients and their doctors. Patients need to understand their health and what they can do to help themselves. Doctors are frequently busy and may not realize what patients need to know. That’s when it is time for the patients to take more active roles. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and become involved in your health care.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tell your doctor if you have had hepatitis or other medical problems and if you are taking any medications. Don’t think that you are bothering the doctor with unnecessary information. Your entire health history is important.

Be informed. Get as much information as you can. Know what questions you want to ask. Check with HFI, a medical library, or the local pharmacy. When talking with your doctor or insurance company you need to understand what you are talking about so you can present your case clearly.

Assess your own risk of being infected with hepatitis viruses. Be able to explain why you want to be tested or vaccinated.

Ask questions! If you are not certain if a medicine should taken with food or not, ask. Check on possible side effects of treatments. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects or any changes in your health that occurred after you started the medicine. They may be related. Your doctor needs to know this information in order to treat you properly.

Keep track of questions or health problems that come up between doctor’s visits. It is all too easy to forget what you wanted to ask the doctor until after you leave the office.

Keep your own written record of tests that are done, where, when, and by whom. Also, medications that are taken, for how long, and any side effects or benefits.

Remember it is your health and body which is the issue. You have a right to ask questions about your health, what tests are performed, what are the risks of spreading the disease to others, what treatment options are, and the long term impact of the disease. As a patient you are a medical consumer purchasing the services of the doctor.
 
 

SOURCE:    Hepatitis Foundation International
 
 

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