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The Physician Patient Partnership

© Christine O'Connor

Getting the most from your doctor is always important, but it is especially important in the case of long term illness.

It is essential in the case of chronic care to fully trust your doctor, not only in his or her competency as a doctor, but to also trust in their moral and ethical values regarding your situation.

You may have to essentially shop for a doctor with whom you feel comfortable with. In some places this may be hard to do because you may not be in an area that offers a lot of kidney specialists, also called nephrologists.

In most cases, you will be referred to a nephrologist from your primary care doctor. After being comfortable with his or her credentials, what can you look for to know that this doctor will be a good doctor for you long term?

Does your doctor give you the full information about your condition?

Does he or she invite you to ask questions?

Does he or she explain things to you that you don't understand in an easy to follow manner?

If you feel the need for a second opinion, does your doctor accept and or encourage it?

Does your doctor really seem to listen to you and trust in what you say?

Do you feel like a person and not a payment when you are with this doctor?

Would you recommend your doctor/s to a friend or family member?

The best relationships are based on trust and this does go two ways.

If you have faith in your doctor and you want your doctor to have faith in you too:

• Be honest with him or her about everything:
  * how much pain you have
  * when and how often you really take your medications, include over the counter medicines too
  * how you are doing psychologically
  * how you feel physically; how much energy you have, how much you sleep etc.

• Try to be compliant with what your doctor tells you to do, they really only want you to feel better or be well.

• Be appreciative of your doctor's time and knowledge.

Tips for you:

• Listen to your doctor/s.

• It is okay to disagree and discuss your treatment. Try as they might, doctors will never know your body as much as you do.

• Learn what you can about your condition.

• Write down any questions you may have so when you have an appointment or see your doctor, you won't forget things you wanted to ask.

• Take your meds as prescribed, and report side effects.

• If you feel uncomfortable about something, speak up and talk about it.

The copyright of the article The Physician Patient Partnership in Kidney Failure is owned by Christine O'Connor. Permission to republish The Physician Patient Partnership in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.