Effective Communication with Physicians

It is estimated that physicians spend approximately 15 minutes per appointment with patients and caregivers. Fifteen minutes is not a lot of time when your health or your loved one’s health is at stake. However, there are methods caregivers can employ to maximize those precious 15 minutes. The American Cancer Society has a link on their website that gives practical methods to more effectively communicate with physicians. To read the article, click the following link:
http://www.cancer.org/docroot/esn/content/esn_2_2x_talking_with_your_doctor.asp?sit

The Alzheimer’s Association also has a 20-page publication regarding effective communication with physicians. The booklet can be downloaded and printed and includes spaces for caregivers to jot down notes to take to a medical appointment. To view the booklet, please click this link:
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/PWYDBookEnglish2003.pdf