We’re all accustomed to seeing our doctors use their computer or tablet during appointments and in the hospital since electronic health records (EHRs) are widely used. Can you trust electronic health records? Is the information in EHRs accurate? Do EHRs add to doctor stress, potentially impacting care? Although there are clear advantages of EHRs, there […]
Communicating with Your Healthcare Team
Why Take Detailed Notes at Doctor Appointments?
It’s a scenario that repeats over and over, every day, in doctors’ offices everywhere. Patients, and perhaps their family members, listen intently as doctors discuss diagnoses, tests, procedures, and medications. All too often, patients are not writing anything down, presumably because they think they will remember everything they are hearing. Unfortunately, the opposite is true […]
How Can You Get the Best Healthcare? Actively Participate!
I was surprised to learn recently that a large percentage of patients are “passive spectators” of their own healthcare. Passive patients rely on their doctor’s experience and knowledge. As a result, they “sit back” and let the experience happen to them. Why is this important? Because your health can suffer if you don’t engage in […]
The Importance of Shared Decision Making
Whether you are dealing with a new medical condition, or one that is progressing, it is important to take the lead role in your medical team. Historically, a doctor would tell you your diagnosis and course of treatment, and you would do your best to follow the doctor’s orders. Fortunately, times have changed, and most […]
It’s Important to Be Honest with Your Doctors
Everybody is guilty of a few white lies now and then. Telling your aunt that you love her new haircut is a good deed. And telling your host you love the chicken is the right thing to do, even when it tastes odd. In fact, these little lies help make the world a little bit […]