MANILA, Philippines - “You know your body best, so if you want your doctor to help you even more, you need to tell him your story because you are the expert of your own life,” Margaret Bengzon, head of Strategic Services Group of Medical City, tells me one afternoon.
In the Philippines, the doctor’s word is often God’s word. If your child is ill, the norm is to take what the doctor says. But we tend to forget that not everything in our child’s life is known to the doctor.
Medical City aims to create a new paradigm with its new advocacy, which will hopefully shift the way Filipinos think about doctors and healthcare.
Bengzon says that at The Medical City, every patient is a partner in healthcare. In a true partnership, where all things are equal, communication flows freely. However, in healthcare, this is often not the case.
Take, for example, a child brought to the pediatrician after complaining of stomachaches. Tests are run but the doctor cannot seem to find anything wrong. Then the mother says, after an almost half-hour consultation, “Oh, by the way, he’s also been complaining about this teacher who has been giving him a hard time in school…”
Suddenly the pediatrician has this new insight into the problem. Child stress can be the root of many ills often not seen on a medical chart.
Another case is that of an elderly taken to the doctor by her children. She complains of palpitations and vertigo (dizziness). A battery of tests. Her heart is checked, all clear. Tests show she is as healthy as a horse. After consultations, she finally admits to her primary doctor that she has been having sleepless nights worrying about her youngest child who is working overseas as a nurse and has been the victim of wife battery. Again, if the patient had only mentioned it earlier, money could have been saved and anxiety over test results avoided.
Some doctors are experts at drawing their patients out. It is a gift, but it is also a skill that must be learned. However, not all doctors are adept. So, as parents, or caregivers to our own parents, we must ask the questions, to share our stories.
Doctors are not mind readers. Not everything relevant can be seen on a patient’s chart. While numbers and test results are significant, there are significant issues about one’s life that must be shared with your doctor.
Proactive
One needs to be proactive. Research on what it is you or your loved one has and don’t be afraid to ask. Is there a better way? Are there alternative treatments? What is the best possible outcome if we do this or that? How much will this cost us?
Your doctor can help you best if you help yourself, tell him or her what is on your mind and in your heart, or what it is that is going on in your life.
We pay very good money to get the best healthcare. A doctor will appreciate it if he sees that you are open and interested to know more about your illness. Do not hesitate to share your fears. The best of doctors will not pooh-pooh your concerns. They take the time to listen and show you compassion. Even if there is a whole gaggle of patients coming after you, the good doctor will not make you feel that you are being rushed.
Help your doctor
A CNN report suggests some ways a patient can better help his or her doctor.
Bring in a complete list of your medications. This includes all the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, along with health supplements and vitamins. Write the drug’s name, dosage and how often you take it.
Have your health history. Know the illnesses in your bloodline—cancer, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, mental health problems? Knowledge will encourage you to be more careful and vigilant about your health.
Make a list of your concerns and share them. The CNN report quotes Dr. Dana Frank, an internist at Johns Hopkins, who says that she appreciates the patient who is ready “like a boy scout” and is not afraid to ask questions. If something is not clear, ask your doctor again. Write notes when necessary.
Know your doctor and find the right fit. In this day and age of HMOs, it is hard to be picky about doctors. But here’s the trick, often, I first research and find out the list of MDs the HMO has in a particular hospital. Once I have the names, I go around and ask colleagues, if they have tried out this doctor, or better yet, if I know someone from that hospital. I try to find out a little about this doctor I am about to see so I know what to expect. Remember you have the right to seek a second opinion, and even a third one, especially if it’s a major procedure. Work with the doctor you are most comfortable with.
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