BRIGHT IDEAS

How To Create a Strong Doctor-Patient Relationship
Bright Idea from CR Magazine

Every doctor-patient relationship is unique. Therefore there are no set guidelines for establishing good communication with your medical professional. However, there are many ways for you to go about developing a healthy relationship with your doctor. Here are some suggestions to help you start this process.

1. Speak about communication needs at your first meeting! Be sure your doctor is aware of your expectations about medical communication from the very start of your relationship as a way to ensure these wishes are met.

2. Establish a support system for the early stages of diagnosis! Surround yourself with positive people and have someone come with you to each of your appointments.

3. Educate yourself on your medical issue! Read articles from reliable sources to enrich your understanding of the medical topic.

4. Take notes and ask questions during your appointments! Come prepared with a pad of paper with questions to ask your doctor. Take notes on your doctor's response so that you can reference them when necessary.

5. Don't be afraid to get a second or third opinion! Develop a trusting relationship with your doctor and explore your different options to discover which medical approach is best for you.

Remember, every doctor-patient relationship is distinctive and should be nurtured by both the patient and the doctor. Along with medical advice, make sure your doctor provides adequate emotional support as you navigate through the medical system.