The Center for Patient Partnerships - Pathways to Empowerment

Stories

Yao, a Chinese-American man in his early-fifties was referred to a patient advocate by the social worker at the hospital where his wife Lili was being treated for colon cancer. Lily was in the process for applying for Social Security...

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Communicating with Providers

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Questions You May Have


I don’t feel like my doctor is listening to me. How do I get her attention and tell her what matters?
Whenever I’m in an appointment with a doctor, I feel rushed and confused. How can I better comprehend what he is saying?
What should I do to prepare for a doctor appointment?
I am getting treatment from multiple providers. How do I help to “coordinate care” between providers?
I have three different specialists involved in my care. Sometimes it seems like they disagree and I’m stuck in the middle. How do I get them to communicate directly with one another?
I have concerns now but my appointment isn’t for a few weeks. What do I do?
Everyone has told me my doctor is “the best”, but I just don’t feel the same way. What can I expect?
It seems like my doctor doesn’t know much about my disease. Should I consult with an expert? How do I identify a doctor who has expertise in this disease?
I really have some serious doubts about my doctor. We don’t see eye to eye. Can I “fire” my doctor?

Resources

Talking with your Doctor (www.cancer.org)

Heart Disease (about.com)

Ask me 3 (www.npsf.org)

Firing your Doctor (www.cnn.com)

Communicating Audio Program (www.canceradvocacy.org)

Videos about Communication with your Doctor (www.survivorshipatoz.org)

Book about Medical Decision-Making (www.amazon.com)

Making Decisions Audio Program (www.canceradvocacy.org)

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