Sometimes two people can view the same thing in completely different ways. This presentation will illustrate some of the ways that patients and their providers commonly view the same thing in very different ways by sharing views of patients and doctors in a variety of common scenarios.

1. Patient-Doctor Talk
Written by: Jonas Bromberg, Psy.D.
Reviewed by: Synne Wing, MSW, November 2015

2. Sometimes two people can view the same thing in completely different
ways. This presentation will illustrate some of the ways that patients
and their providers commonly view the same thing in very different
ways by sharing views of patients and doctors in a variety of common
scenarios.

3. Understanding each other
➢PATIENT: I wish my doctor would use simpler language. I always feel
like I’m interrupting to ask questions.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would stop me when they don’t
understand something. If they don’t, I assume they understand.
➢TIP: When you don’t understand something, ask for more
information, and if you still don’t understand, ask again.

4. Sharing feelings
➢PATIENT: I wish my doctor would encourage me to share my feelings
more.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would be honest with their feelings,
instead of trying to cover them up.
➢TIP: Your feelings are an important part of your overall health. Alk
with you doctor about them.

5. Writing things down
➢PATIENT: I wish my doctor would write things down for me, it’s so
complicated. I can’t keep all of this information in my head.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would take notes and write down
important instructions I give them. I know they can’t keep all this
information in their heads.
➢TIP: Bring a notepad and pen with you to all your appointments and
write things down.

6. Including family members
➢PATIENTS: My family’s always asking questions I can’t answer. I wish
my doctor would suggest my family come with me to appointments.
➢DOCTOR: If family members are going to be helping to make medical
decisions, I wish my patients would bring them to appointments. That
way everyone’s on the same page.
➢TIP: You don’t have to be a reporter. Bring family members with you
so they can ask questions.

7. Second opinions
➢PATIENT: I wish my doctor would ask me if I want to get a second
opinion. I’d feel more at ease getting another point of view.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would tell me if they want a second
opinion. I don’t take this as a criticism. I know it helps them feel more
confident.
➢TIP: Talking to your doctor about what questions and issues to
discuss with another doctor can help you get the most benefit from a
second opinion.

8. Asking questions
➢PATIENT: I wish I had more time with my doctor. I’m always asking
questions as I’m walking out the door.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would ask their most important
questions first. It’s very frustrating when they ask an important
question with one foot out the door.
➢TIP: Write down your questions ahead of time, and ask them at the
start of your appointment.

9. Money
➢PATIENT: Medication is so expensive. I wish my doctor would ask me
if I can afford the medicines she wants me to take. I feel
uncomfortable bringing this up.
➢DOCTOR: Health care is expensive. I wish my patients would tell me
when they’re having financial problems. If I know this, there are ways
I can help.
➢TIP: Money problems may be hard to discuss, but it is your
responsibility to ask for help when you need it.

10. Following advice
➢PATIENT: I wish my doctor would understand how hard it is to do
everything she recommends. If I tell her I didn’t do something, I’m
worried she’ll get mad.
➢DOCTOR: I wish my patients would tell me when they’re not following
my recommendations. I’m sure they worry I’ll be angry, but I need to
know.
➢TIP: Being honest with your doctor will help you get better care.
Getting the best care possible is more important than trying to be the
“perfect” patient.