Patients sometimes feel like their doctor is ignoring them or not taking their symptoms seriously enough. They generally just feel dismissed or they may even think that the doctor doesn’t believe them.
This is a significant problem because it can lead to a delayed diagnosis. But if you feel like your doctor isn’t really listening to you or taking your symptoms seriously, how can you change the situation? Here are a few tips that may help.
Ask questions
To start with, ask your doctor follow-up questions. If they dismiss a certain symptom, for example, ask them what to do if that symptom gets worse over time. Asking questions keeps the doctor from just moving on to the next topic without really addressing your actual concern.
Review your symptoms in advance
It can help to talk over your symptoms with someone you trust at home, before even going to the doctor. This way, you know the types of things you want to mention and you have practice saying them in a concise and efficient fashion. Doctors are often in a hurry, so quickly getting to the heart of the matter can help.
Make a list
Finally, when you go in for a visit with the doctor, just make a list of all of the issues you want to mention or the questions you want to ask. You can always refer to this list, helping to slow the conversation down and ensuring that you don’t leave without saying everything you meant to say. The list also shows your doctor just how seriously you are taking the symptoms.
Unfortunately, medical malpractice does happen. If you have suffered harm, be sure you understand your legal options.