Page 106 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2016

what’s up doc?
Questions To Ask Your
story by Daisy Karam-Read
How many times have you left
a doctor’s office and thought of questions you forgot to ask? With the wealth of information now available via the media, patients are in a better position to be knowledgeable about their medical condition than ever before. A doctor’s appointment can be fraught with anxiety, but knowledge is power, and an excellent way to alleviate fears is to prepare questions before the visit. But what questions are the most vital?
In recent years, herbal remedies and supplements have become
increasingly popular, with a large percentage of the population
taking at least one vitamin daily. Depending upon the source, between fifty and seventy percent of Americans
regularly take supplements. An often overlooked but signifiant
question is, “Are there any contradictions
between my supplements,
herbal remedies and prescription
medication?” Regardless of how common a drug is, always ask what the side effects are. Then find out
the risk/benefit ratio to make a wise decision. Also, find out how long the medication takes to work.
Karen Mullen, M.D., of Starfish Family Practice in Biloxi gives practical advice. “‘Do you take my insurance?’ is an important question. Receptionists are usually trained
to get that information from the patient, but it’s something the patient should never be embarrassed to ask,” she said. “It’s good to know which hospital your doctor is associated with, and ask if your doctor sees patients when they are in the hospital, even if it’s a hospital they’re not affiliated with. A lot of doctors don’t do that anymore.”
Boyd Benefield, M.D., practices internal medicine in Gulfport. “Usually, I’m the one who asks a lot of questions,” he says with a smile.
He stresses the importance of the patient asking about cholesterol levels and blood pressure readings. The patient should also be sure he or she understands what their cholesterol level should be. If your blood pressure is high, you want to know what types of health problems are associated with a high reading.
For each person, writing down the questions that are important to you and taking them to the doctor’s visit will help alleviate anxiety and provide answers.
106 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2016
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