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3 Conversation Starters to Use at Your Next Doctor’s Visit

Force Your Doctor to Slow Down and Talk To You, Not At You

Improving your chances of survival is the name of the game when fighting cancer. Patients often feel like they’re on a conveyer-belt being shuttled from one doctor to the next, unable to really speak to a doctor for longer than a few minutes at a time. So here are 3 ways the patient (that’s you) can start conversations with the doctor rather than the doctor taking the lead as the conversation starter. This will force the doc to slow down, answer your questions (make sure they avoid answering it with a “yes” or a “no”), and look you in the eyes.

3 Great Conversation Starters to use with Your Doctor

1) Ask the doctor (or healthcare provider) to summarize your current health status. Then repeat it back to them. 

Typically most doctor’s visits start out rushed since the doc may be several minutes (or hours!) late. This first question helps slow the pace down. It also allows you to hear the same medical information repeated in a different way, which improves your understanding of your current health condition.

Here’s an easy way to ask this question:

“Hi Dr. _____ [fill in the blank] I know you explained this the last time, but could you please give me a summary of my latest (insert one of the following: CAT scan, MRI, blood work, etc.) results?  I want to be sure I understand how my health is progressing.”

2) Ask for details on future treatment plans.  This tip will continue to improve your health literacy too. Enriching your medical education at every doctor’s visit improves your confidence and ability to have educated discussions about your health. And, this step reduces potential medical errors, such as the wrong treatment being given (mix-up’s are more common than you think).

3)  Always express your health needs and goals.  At Bedside Manners, our Patient Advocates help cancer patients set good health goals. They must be S.M.A.R.T. Share a few of your S.M.A.R.T. goals with your doctor so they know your personal story. When they know you as a person, and what your goals are in life, then they’re more likely to treat you like family.

Hey cancer patients and survivors! Have any other tips or tricks on how to improve patient-doctor communication?  If so, comment below.

To your best health!

Dee Grace, PhD

Bedside Manners advocates for cancer patients to receive better healthcare. We focus on 3 things: 1) educating patients on science-backed natural ways to improve their quality of life; 2) empowering patients and survivors with a “survivorship game-plan”; and 3) ensuring patients receive quality healthcare that improves their chances of survival.

Get an instant download of our mini-guide ‘7 Ways to Conquer and Prevent Cancer’ to get started on your journey.

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