Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Summer 1999)

Move over Norman Rockwell — in today's quickly changing medical world, the doctor-patient relationship looks more like a team than the fatherly images of yesterday.

Add in managed care and the availability of medical information for laypersons, and more and more people are viewing their good health as a shared responsibility between provider and patient.

Most of us only get 15 minutes with the doctor, so Bermingham advises people to be prepared and make the most of it.

"Become an exceptional patient," says Pat Bates, RN, MSN, CNS. "Make a symptom list, write down your main concerns or questions and start with what’s most important to you."

List or no, patients should expect to negotiate how their time with the doctor is spent. "You may be coming in to talk about your stomach pain, but the doctor may see in your chart that you need to address high blood pressure," says Bermingham. "You may have to negotiate so both issues get addressed."

But don't be afraid to redirect your doctor to your list of concerns, says Bates.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association by several individuals, including Kim Marvel, PhD, also of the Family Medicine Center, reported that doctors tend to cut patients off before they get through even their initial concerns.

According to Bates, the quality of your healthcare can be influenced by your relationship with your doctor. "Be willing to say what you feel," she advises. "Your doctor makes decisions about your care based in part on your report—the more pieces to the puzzle he or she has, the better the decision about diagnosis and treatment will be."

When it comes to providing your doctor with the pieces he or she needs to make a good diagnosis, bring as much information as possible to your appointment. (See box above for suggestions.)

Your work isn't done after you share your symptoms with the doctor. According to Bates, you are both part of the "healing team."

Patients should expect discussion and adequate explanation for a specific course a doctor wants to take, including alternatives and risks," says Bermingham.

And make sure the doctor is using words you understand.

"Physicians tend to inadvertently fall back into the technical language of their training," says Bermingham. "When that happens, ask your physician to back up and say it again in non-technical terms."

Personalities can also greatly influence the doctor-patient relationship. Remember, doctors are as varied as the patients and illnesses they treat. Part of being a good patient means choosing a doctor who fits your needs and your personality.

Don’t rely solely on the provider list given to you by your insurance carrier to choose a doctor. A better method is to ask friends and co-workers for recommendations and then call a few offices to ask questions before making a choice.

Regardless of how you select a doctor, you have several opportunities to improve communication if you don't feel your needs are being addressed or if you have concerns about your doctor's approach to your health and healthcare.

"You may want to drop your doctor a note right before or after your appointment. Mention the concerns you want to address or the concerns that weren't addressed to be sure they are handled next time," suggests Bermingham.

Or try sharing your concerns with the nurse or other office staff that work with your doctor.

"And if those things don't work, be a good consumer and find a new doctor," says Bermingham.