Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
Frank H. Boehm, MD, chairman of the ethics committee at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, has come up with guidelines for how patients can ensure they receive the care they expect from their doctors. 'I'm tired of hearing patients' cries of 'My doctor always seems so rushed and doesn't appear to take an interest in me or my health concerns,' ' Boehm says. 'The legendary doctor-patient trust relationship has become an endangered species.' Here is Boehm's advice to patients: (1) Learn as much as you can about your condition. Go to libraries, the Internet, or ask your doctor for articles that will help you understand many of the complicated issues surrounding your health. A well-informed patient is easier to care for. (2) There are no stupid questions. Write down questions you want answered or issues you want to discuss related to diagnosis, treatment, side effects, or prognosis. During the hectic pace of a doctor's visit, you can easily forget. (3) Don't be afraid to ask your doctor to repeat what was said. Take a close relative or friend with you if possible. Patients will often block out or misinterpret medical information, especially if it's distressing or bad news. Having a less nervous pair of ears present may prove helpful on the ride home. If this is not possible, taking notes may be helpful. (4) Ask your doctor to talk to you before you get undressed for the examination. Patients are usually more comfortable, attentive, and thorough when discussing their medical complaints while fully clothed. For that same reason, it is best to dress before once again discussing your condition and course of action. (5) Don't assume your doctor always has the best answer for you. Be prepared to ask about alternative treatments that may be available. (6) You don't have to accept your doctor's opinion if you aren't comfortable with it. A second opinion can also prevent treatment for a wrong diagnosis. A second opinion that concurs with your doctor's diagnosis can help build trust and confidence, thus reducing the need for other such opinions in the future. If your doctor has a problem with this, find a new doctor. (7) Call. You're not 'bothering the doctor.' Call immediately if any problems develop once you begin treatment. And call your doctor's office when you are improving and your treatment is going well. Like everyone else, doctors enjoy hearing good news. (8) Invoke your right to patient autonomy. You have the right to say no to your doctor's treatment plan, to deny a particular course of action, and even to suggest another form of treatment. Your doctor should explain the risks and benefits of his or her recommended course of action versus any treatment you suggest. Be sure you understand fully the risks involved in the decision you make. (9) Speak up if you feel rushed, confused, or brushed off. If you do not feel your doctor has been attentive to your questions, a simple 'Doctor, can you please sit down and go over this again,' 'I don't understand,' or 'I am feeling rushed' works quite well. (10) Ask for help in resolving an insurance issue if your insurance company is not cooperating. Health care should be a team effort. Excerpted from Doctors Cry, Too: Essays From the Heart of a Physician by Frank H. Boehm, MD, Hay House.
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
The science behind U=U has been liberating people with HIV for years
June 04 2024 3:31 PM
Why activist Raif Derrazi thinks his HIV diagnosis is a gift
September 17 2024 12:00 PM
How fitness coach Tyriek Taylor reclaims his power from HIV with self-commitment
September 19 2024 12:00 PM
Exclusive: We kiki with Q from 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
June 24 2024 11:37 AM
The freedom of disclosure: David Anzuelo's journey through HIV, art, and advocacy
August 02 2024 12:21 PM
Out100 Honoree Tony Valenzuela thanks queer and trans communities for support in his HIV journey
September 18 2024 12:00 PM
Activist and philanthropist Bruce Bastian dies at 76
June 26 2024 1:28 PM
Creator and host Karl Schmid fights HIV stigma with knowledge
September 12 2024 12:03 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Climate change is disrupting access to HIV treatment
November 25 2024 11:05 AM
California confirms first case of even more deadly mpox strain
November 18 2024 3:02 PM
Post-election blues? Some advice from mental health experts
November 08 2024 12:36 PM
Check out our 2024 year-end issue!
October 28 2024 2:08 PM
Meet our Health Hero of the Year, Armonté Butler
October 21 2024 12:53 PM
AIDS/LifeCycle is ending after more than 30 years
October 17 2024 12:40 PM
Twice-yearly injectable lenacapavir, an HIV-prevention drug, reduces risk by 96%
October 15 2024 5:03 PM
Kentucky bans conversion therapy for youth as Gov. Andy Beshear signs 'monumental' order
September 18 2024 11:13 AM
Study finds use of puberty blockers safe and reversible, countering anti-trans accusations
September 11 2024 1:11 PM
Latinx health tips / Consejos de salud para latinos (in English & en espanol)
September 10 2024 4:29 PM
The Trevor Project receives $5M grant to support LGBTQ+ youth mental health in rural Midwest (exclusive)
September 03 2024 9:30 AM
Introducing 'Health PLUS Wellness': The Latinx Issue!
August 30 2024 3:06 PM
La ciencia detrás de U=U ha estado liberando a las personas con VIH durante años
August 23 2024 2:48 PM
Tratamiento y prevención del VIH por inyección: Todo lo que necesita saber
August 23 2024 2:41 PM
Sr. Gay World quiere asegurarse de que estés bien
August 23 2024 2:30 PM
Eureka is taking a break from competing on 'Drag Race' following 'CVTW' elimination
August 20 2024 12:21 PM
With a new case in Sweden, what is the new mpox outbreak and should you be concerned?
August 15 2024 4:48 PM
From ‘The Real World’ to real life: How Danny Roberts thrives with HIV
July 31 2024 5:23 PM