Tuesday, February 16, 2010

How to Speak Doctor

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How to Speak Doctor

by Richard Ferri

It is not uncommon to feel lost in the haze and maze of having a conversation with your doctor or health care provider. It may feel like you have just landed in a foreign country without a clue to the language and culture. Like Alice falling through the looking glass, you may become overwhelmed and confused. Effective communication, however, has become a standard of good health care practice.

The recent tragic death of Sen. John Murtha after "simple, non-invasive" gallbladder surgery is a stark reminder of the need for effective communication between health care providers and patients. Communication does not have to be a jumble of confusion in health care anymore. First, as a health care consumer you have access to much more information today than ever before; you should use this increased knowledge to help navigate the communication jungle. Also, today's health care providers should be savvier to your needs; they should fully appreciate the need for consumers to be well informed and educated before they make major decisions.

By the same token, it is wise to never take that for granted. Virtually, every profession has its own jargon and shorthand related to the work. Medicine isn't any different, except for the fact that quality health care, and even your life, could be hanging in the balance.

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