When seeing a medical provider, many people are intimidated. I want to empower patients with ideas of what they should expect from their provider.
First off, I encourage you to research a provider. Look at their health credentials. Study the kind of organization he or she practices in. The organization, its systems and values represent the provider. Is it a professional environment? Does it seem to be patient-centered? Does the organization advertise itself as a “medical home”? (This is a care-delivery system that treats the whole person and emphasizes easy access, prevention and the patient-provider relationship.)
Another level to consider is the one-on-one interaction you have with your doctor. You need to trust him or her — after all, it’s your body. Find a provider who listens to you and respects you. During visits, you shouldn’t feel rushed, and you should be comfortable with his or her directions or care plan for you.
Trust, of course, is a two-way concept. Remember that your provider is not there to judge you, so be as honest as possible. Show up for appointments. Come prepared with your top one or two concerns; this will keep the visit focused and allow for a thorough evaluation.
In my own practice, I believe in looking at the whole realm of a person’s being: their physical state; their mind or emotional state; and their spiritual state — their core, gut instinct or heart work.
Often, more facets of a person’s life are at play than are first apparent. For example, chest pains can be brought on by anxiety, and insomnia may arise from stress.
The mind can also affect the diagnosis or treatment phases. A patient who has bipolar disease may experience or interpret an asthma attack differently. Or a person with a fragile emotional state may struggle to handle a diagnosis.
It’s important for providers to dig deeper and ask questions: How’s your stress level? What’s your family history with anxiety? Have you had any major changes in the last six months? Do you feel overwhelmed?
In attending to the patient’s body, mind and spirit, I might adjust a medication, inquire about their support system at home and add a counseling session. I often include directions to meditate, go to church or force yourself to spend 15 quiet minutes outdoors, focused on your breathing.
There are things you can’t control, and things you can. You can control which foods you put into your body and how much water you drink each day. And you can take care of your emotional health. You also can find a provider who is a good match for you.
BRENDA STAVISH is a certified Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) at Pacific Medical Centers (www.PacMed.org).
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