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How To Maximize Limited Time With Your Doctor

If You Are Asked A General Question, Answer It Precisely

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Too often there is miscommunication between doctor and patient because the same general words mean something different to each person. It is better to be overly detailed than to be too general. If you are getting into too much detail, the doctor will let you know.

To provide an example: If you are asked about your appetite, you may say it is much improved. To the doctor, that is likely to mean that your appetite is normal - like his or hers is. However, let's say that you were only able to eat a few spoonfuls at meal time. Now you are able to eat a half a meal, twice a day. If the doctor asks about your appetite and you say it is "much better," the doctor may hear that you are eating normally. If you stated the facts instead of your perspective, the doctor would know what is actually happening and can make suggestions. 

As another example: Say you were only able to walk up and down the stairs once a day. Now you can do it three times a day, but are still too weak to leave the house. If the doctor asks about your energy, to say it is "okay" would mislead the doctor. It is better to describe what you can and cannot do so your true condition is understood.  



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