How to Be Open With Your Primary Care Provider
Good health can be one of the most underappreciated aspects of our lives. Unfortunately, many people do not realize how lucky they are to be in good health until their health or that of a close loved one becomes poor. Preventative health care and regular visits with your primary healthcare provider are great ways to keep your health in check. During these checkups, you must be as honest with your provider as you possibly can be. You are only hurting yourself and making a diagnosis more difficult if you withhold information. Remember, your health and well-being are their top priority when caring for you. Here are some ways to be open and honest with your primary care provider.
Ask Questions
It may seem intimidating to come to your appointment with a list of questions or ask questions during the appointment. However, rest assured that your provider is there to answer any and all of your concerns. They would much rather you ask questions to clarify than go home unsure of exactly how your prescription is supposed to be taken or what the course of action will be. In the months or weeks leading up to your appointment, be sure to record any questions you have for the doctor.
Your provider is a health expert and should be consulted as one. While it may be tempting to search online for the answers to your medical questions or follow a friend’s advice, it is best to go straight to your medical source. You can ask your provider any number of questions. Perhaps you are curious about certain supplements or wondering does red light therapy work? You can receive an informed answer to your questions from your primary health provider.
Take Notes
Bring a notepad and pen with you to your appointment. This will help you keep all of the information straight. It is also a great idea to note questions or concerns you have in between appointments. If you keep all of these in one notepad, you can quickly bring it with you to each meeting. Make a note of any questionable new marks on your skin, any dietary concerns, changes you have noted and other relevant concerns, no matter how small they may seem.
Practice Honesty
When your provider asks you a question, answer it honestly. Do not just say what you think they want to hear. Provide accurate, detailed answers to get the best medical care possible. Hiding or lying about smoking or vaping, how much alcohol you drink, or any drugs you may take can impact your care. Disclose all supplements you are taking, what you are taking them for and what dosage. This is another time when your notepad will come in handy, as it makes it easier to document everything you are taking, the frequency and the dosage all in one place.
Don’t Be Embarrassed
Sometimes you may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable discussing specific topics, symptoms or body parts with your primary care provider. It is okay to feel that way, but you must remember that discussing your entire body and a complete list of symptoms is necessary for proper evaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Your provider is a medical professional trained on the whole body. They have seen and heard almost anything you can imagine. They will handle these topics with sensitivity and professionalism, as they were trained to. There is no need to be embarrassed. Just remember, it will only help you receive more thorough care.
Preventative health and primary care are essential aspects of your healthcare to help keep your overall health well and catch problems before they escalate. Your body works hard for you, so be sure to treat it well by eating healthy, exercising, making good lifestyle choices and being open with your primary care provider! Be more open by answering questions entirely and honestly, taking notes and disclosing all information and symptoms, no matter how embarrassing it may seem. Regular checkups and preventative screenings can help detect problems, illnesses, diseases and cancer early, making treatment and recovery more manageable.
