J.J. and I are preparing for our next appointment with Dr. C, our Primary Care Physician based in St George, Utah. According to the article, doctors let patients speak for only about 23 seconds on the average before cutting them off.
On the contrary, my usual appointment time last between 30 minutes to an hour. At the end of my consultation, I usually get a hug from my doctor.
However, I learned that this is not the norm for most people. Many, especially seniors feel that their doctors did not take sufficient time to get to know them. They feel that their conditions and complaints were quickly dismissed saying that they are inevitable and age related.
The article I am referring to has 10 helpful points. Here is a list and the website.
1. Make a human connection
2. Stay on message
3. Tell the whole truth
4. Rehearse before you go
5. Don't accept "It's just aging"
6. Don't save questions for the end
7. Explain what you can afford
8. Have that end-of-life discussion
9. Don't go it alone
10. Don't be afraid to make a switch
Good luck!
Aloha -- Cathi