Yes, doctors endure intensive education and rigorous training, but there is a world of difference between textbook learning and the unpredictability of real-life practice. Even established professionals can go an entire career without performing many medical treatments firsthand.
This doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting a doctor, or be fearful about the quality of medical treatment you will receive.
When Your Health is on the Line, Be Engaged in the Process
As I explain in my fictionalized memoir, Death on the Learning Curve: The Making of a Surgeon, it's important to regard your doctor as a friendly advocate for your health and well-being. But don’t be a passive spectator when medical treatment, medication, or surgery is proposed.
Anytime you or a loved one experience a health problem, be prepared to actively participate in the decision-making process. You should be ready to ask questions—not to be confrontational, but to become fully informed.
With that in mind, the following questions will help you get started.
Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Doctor Before Accepting Medical Treatment
- How long have you been in practice?
- What is your experience in treating this condition?
- What are the treatment options, and what other options are available that you or the health plan are not offering? If you don’t understand the doctor’s basic explanation of your condition and treatment, then by all means ask him or her for more information.
- What will my recovery process include once the surgery is performed?
(Sharon's note: The doctor or hospital may provide a followup care sheet, but it's good to know--in advance--what you can expect. Find out how much pain you can expect and how that will be managed, how long you will stay in the hospital, if you need to transition to a nursing facility before going home, the length of your at-home recovery, when you can resume normal activites, number of followup appointments, types of medication, and other important details. If possible, have your primary caregiver present during these discussions, and take notes.)
- What are the possible complications of the proposed medical treatments or surgeries?
- If there are any complications, how will you correct the problem?
- Aside from your own partners, who would you go to for medical treatment if you had this condition?
(Sharon's note: These are the doctors you could see for second and third opinions.)
- Are you personally going to perform the surgery?
- Will others assist and participate, in a major way, in this medical treatment?
- Can I ask your bookkeeper what my financial responsibility will be? You need to know in advance…and don’t be afraid to negotiate!
These questions may seem basic to you, but they are very important because they will help you get a better sense of whether your doctor is someone you truly want as your partner in assisting you back to wellness.
The Bottom Line on Medical Treatment and Your Health
Medical crises are frightening, and patients and their guardians often feel overwhelmed. By taking responsibility and actively participating in the decision-making process about your medical treatment, you can work with your doctor for your highest good. This will help to dispel your fears, and will allow you and your doctor to focus on the ultimate goal: returning you to wellness.
Pierce Scranton, MD has been a team physician for the Seattle Seahawks football team, president of the NFL Physician's Society, and president of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society. Between a busy private practice and writing, Dr. Scranton donates his time to operate on landmine victims and the disabled in Vietnam. He is the author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and books.
