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I frequently see patients who are not sure how to best communicate to their doctors what actually bothers them. Sometimes it is several issues, and they are not sure which one to start with. This is especially true if the patient is feeling rushed. One study revealed that doctors, on average, interrupt patients after listening for only 11 seconds.
So how would you prepare for podiatry visit to get most out of it?
To prepare, a patient must understand how doctors think and form a treatment plan. A patient must realize that every medical encounter is organized in a predictable way that is taught to us during our medical training. This organizational method is really a template of medical interview called SOAP note: subjective, objective, assessment, and plan. If you can organize your questions around the SOAP note concept, you will get the most value out of your podiatry office visit.
Subjective part of the exam represents your story.
This is when you, the patient, tell us about the problem, how long it has been bother you, how bad it is, how it started, how bad it hurts and when, things that make it better or worse and all the various things you tried that did not work. Important point here is to keep each problem separate as you describe various points of this particular problem. This will help to guide your doctor to do more focused exam and will help your doctor ask you most appropriate problem related questions.
Objective part of the exam is where doctor gets to work.
This is where your vital signs are checked (blood pressure, temperature, pulse rate, etc), your circulation, nerves, muscles, joints, bones, strength, deformity, and skin are examined. The exam may be extensive or localized depending on how well you explained the problem or how clear problem presents itself. If, after the exam, the doctor is not sure on diagnosis, additional laboratory findings and radiographic exams may be ordered. Bring those with you if you already had them done previously to assist with diagnosis and ensure timely treatment.
Assessment is part of the visit when doctors come up with a list of what the problems are based on your story and their examination.
This is a comprehensive list of everything that was found to be abnormal
Plan is formulated to address each of the problems on the assessment list.
This is where you are provided with a diagnosis and given a regimen of medications and/or medical interventions to improve your condition. Referral to a specialist is made at this if doctor feels that further, more specific evaluation of the problem is required.
To help make your visit efficient make sure to:
1. Have concise story of how the problem started, developed, and what you already tried that helped and did not help. Be as specific and concise as possible
2. Bring a list of all your medications including herbal supplements, topicals, and vitamins including dosages.
3. Tell the doctors about your allergies and what happens when you experience a particular allergy
4. Ensure you share information on genetic conditions or early deaths that occur in your family
5. Discuss your surgical history and hospitalizations including any complications associated with these hospital stays
6. Describe your pain, if any, including where it starts and extends to
7. Important: share your expectations on the recovery and how your illness is impacting your particular job! Some medical interventions, though helpful, may result in prolonged time away from work and may permanently change your ability to do certain task. This is particularly true with surgical interventions. For example, fusion of the big toe joint, a procedure I commonly do, will most definitely interfere with persons ability to squat, wear high heeled shoes/boots, play golf, etc.
Author bio:
My name is Dr. Marat Kazak. I have been working as a professional Podiatrist serving Northern California community since 2014. My extensive medical and surgical knowledge combined with an ongoing curiosity to learn about the latest trends define my success in the field of foot, ankle and leg medical and surgical care.
The goal of this website is to give you the tools to better care for yourself, to dispel medical myths, and to empower you with information to save time and money! If you are looking for an answer on foot and ankle pain, this is the place to find it. If you do not see your topic of interest covered, please send me a message and I will do my best to discuss it thoroughly in my next upcoming post.
Visit this blog often to learn about latest developments, treatments, and approaches to healing and recovery!