How can I speak to my doctor and get enough information? Tips for teens

Going to the doctor is not something you will put on your list of 'how to have fun', but sometimes we need to do it. It can make you nervous and you just want to get it over with.  Many times when you get home, you will think I must have asked him this and that and sometimes you will be more confused than before you went there.

It is important that you feel comfortable and ask all the questions you want to have answered.  The doctor is there to help you so next time it is maybe a good idea to write down a few questions that you want answered.

Lets look at a few possibilities.

As a teenager you would like to know if what you tell the doctor is 'confidential' or will he share the information with your parents if they ask him.  Sometimes you want to discuss something with the doctor that you do not want your parents to know about.  Things like sex, STDs, drugs and alcohol.

 Physician–patient privilege is a legal concept, related to medical confidentiality, that protects communications between a patient and his or her doctor from being used against the patient in court. It is a part of the rules of evidence in many common law jurisdictions. 

If you are there for a specific illness, you would want to find out more about it.  What causes it, what medication must you use, is it a dangerous illness etc. You would also want to make sure of the following

• If you do not understand what the doctor says, ask him to explain it again or draw a picture
• Find out if this illness will have short or long term effects on your body.
• Make sure you know how to take care of yourself while you are sick and when you can return to school or work.
• Also ask about foods that you may eat or must rather avoid.
• If you know what is wrong with you, you can also find out how you can avoid getting the same illness in future.
• If you need to have certain tests done or must be examined, ask your doctor what you can expect.
• You can also find out what will happen if you do not get tested or how long you have to go and get tested.
• Some tests can be done at the doctor's office and for some you will need to go to hospital or a laboratory, so find out what it entails and where it will be done.
• Sometimes you will feel sick after a specific test was done - it is good to know about this and also get some information on what you can do, eat or drink to feel better.

If the doctor gives your medication, make sure that you know exactly how and when you need to drink it and what will happen if you do not drink it all - is it a course that you need to complete or can you only drink it when needed.  Also find out how long it will take before you feel better and if the pills have any side effects that can make you feel worse.

The more questions you ask, the more you will feel at ease and will know exactly what to expect and what to do.  Do not feel shy that you ask too many questions.  If you do not ask, you will not know and at least when you ask the doctor, you know you will get the correct information.

So remember, next time you visit the doctor, do not just run in and out.  Sit down and have an open discussion with your doctor.