Working With Your Doctor When You Have Kidney Disease

Empowering Yourself to Be an Advocate for YOU

Talking to doctors can be tough, they seem so busy, and they see so many patients. But your health is of the utmost importance to you and your loved ones. Here are some tips to stave off information overload while talking with your nephrologist.

• Prepare a list of questions before you arrive at the doctor’s office. This is probably the most important step. Having a list of questions can keep you from letting the conversation wander or letting to much time slip by without having the doctor impart important information.
• Take notes and record the conversation if you need to. This allows you to review information later.
• Tell your doctor how much information you would like to know. People are different, some want to know everything while others like to hear the least. Let your doctor know. They are there to help you at your pace.
• Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself.
• Make sure you know all the next steps in your treatment before you leave the office. If they can email you a letter tell them.
• Ask if there is any printed information you can take with you. Doctor’s offices are always filled with brochures and those can be your best friend.
• Make a list of any current medications you use.

Finally, seek a second opinion if you need to. It is your right as a patient to receive more than one doctor’s opinion of your condition. Most doctors are understanding if their patient is seeking a second opinion.

From Nephcure