Page 58 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

being patient
Everyone wants a good, easy-to-communicate-with doctor, but efficient, resourceful health care is a two-way street. Health care professionals also want good patients. So what does that mean?
Rainna Bahadur, M.D. and an ophthalmologist with Eye Associates of the South, says a good patient is an active participant in their own care. “Your doctor can’t do it alone. A good patient is open and honest with their doctor,” she said. “We are not here to judge; we are trained to help our patients.”
Being proactive is important. “Don’t let symptoms linger longer than they should. Many things can be headed off by being proactive,” she added. “Having goals is important but following through on those plans is even more important.”
Dr. Bahadur’s other suggestions include following the treatment plan if you agree with it. “We can’t help patients
if they simply won’t do what they need to do,” she said. “Be informed about your condition; ask your doctor questions when you don’t understand something. The more engaged and informed patients are, I feel they will have better outcomes because they are part of their own health care.”
She advises bringing a family member with you if you are worried you will be overwhelmed or forget things, and write questions down BEFORE you go to your appointment.
A point that might be overlooked is treating the doctor’s staff with respect. “If there are issues with a staff member, the issues should be handled in a professional way,” Dr. Bahadur said.
story by Lynn Lofton
The well-known Cleveland Clinic
has some pointers about being a
good patient on their website Health Essentials. They include the following:
58 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2019 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
• Ask the right questions.
• Don’t walk away in the dark. Speak up if you don’t understand. You expect clear communication from your doctors and that goes both ways.
• Know your record.
• Do your homework.
• Be open and honest.
• Be a planning partner.
• Stick with the plan.
• Seek well care, not just sick care.
• Shop around and check the cost of the care you’re receiving.