How to better communicate with your doctor
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Can you talk to your doctor? About anything? Studies show that patients who have a good relationship with their doctor have better health outcomes.
Logically, this makes sense. After all, if you have a primary care provider you know and trust, you’ll be more likely to schedule appointments, speak openly and honestly, listen to their advice and follow through on treatment.
“I may sound like a broken record,” says Dr. Naim Munir, chief medical officer at Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield. “But having a doctor you know and trust is one of the most important things you can do for your health.”
According to Dr. Munir, the most empowered patients know they play a key role in the patient-doctor relationship. “It’s a two-way street. You need to do your part. For it to work, you need to be your own health care advocate.”
Find an in-network primary care provider
A great patient-doctor relationship starts with finding the right in-network provider for you, and Wellmark makes it simple. Log in to myWellmark® to search for a provider by name, specialty, or location.
Tips for better communication with your doctor
1.
Understand your health plan.
Know the basics of your health insurance plan and how it works. Don’t leave it up to your doctor to know the ins and outs of your benefits. Log in to myWellmark to have all your benefit information at your fingertips.
2.
Share your full health history and concerns.
Be open, honest, focused and specific. When did the problem start? Have your symptoms improved or gotten worse? What treatments have you tried? Do you have any family members with this condition or health issue?
If you need help gathering that information, we share tips on how to get your family history.
3.
Don't be afraid to ask questions.
If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. It's important for you to advocate for yourself and communicate your needs clearly with your doctor.
4.
Bring a list of your current medications.
Come to your appointment with a list of your medications, or take a picture of the medication bottles to share with your provider. During your appointment, ask your doctor to provide written instructions on how to take any new prescriptions so you’ll remember them later. If you think you might need help understanding your doctor's instructions, bring a friend or family member with you.
5.
Track your health tests yourself.
Ask your doctor what the health tests are for and what the results will show. When can you expect those results? Is there another option to get the same information? Should you be using a patient portal to view test results? Communicate with your doctor when you aren’t sure if a test is necessary or need more information before you move forward.
6.
Watch out for red flags and discuss them with your doctor.
Are your symptoms common (fatigue or sore throat) but your diagnosis rare? Have your symptoms not improved with treatment? Is your diagnosis based on only one test? Talk openly about your symptoms with your doctor and discuss any concerns you may have.
7.
If necessary, get a second opinion.
If your questions aren’t being answered, see another doctor for their opinion.
Choosing and using your primary care provider
Your primary care provider knows your medical history and is the medical professional you go to with your health concerns. When choosing the best primary care provider for you, consider these tips and log in to myWellmark to make sure the doctor and facility you are considering is in your health plan network.