By Annette Campbell
To coincide with the AMA’s Family Doctor Week, we asked Dr Rosanna Capolingua — a Perth-based practicing GP, and chair of the Australian Medical Association’s Ethics Committee — what she thinks most doctors would really like us to know.
So the next time you phone to make an appointment to see your GP, try to keep the following in mind …
If you have a few problems you’d like to discuss with your doctor — or maybe need a full check-up or something like a Pap test — book a “long” appointment. Making this clear when you make your appointment means the GP can give you the time you need.
If you can’t make it to your appointment, phone and cancel. It really helps to let the receptionist know. This means other patients don’t miss out.
If you know your doctor tends to run a bit late, phone a little while beforehand and see how he’s going that day. This saves you having to wait too long. And keep in mind that if you do have to wait because the doctor’s taking a little longer with patients, she will take that time with you, too.
Turn off your mobile phone. I’ve actually had patients who not only leave the phone on, but then answer it if it rings in the middle of a consultation! It’s important that time with your doctor is well-focussed.
If your GP asks you questions such as, “Do you feel pain here or there?” or “Is there anything else?” — don’t feel that you must say “yes”. If the answer’s genuinely “no”, say so. Always give answers that are real to you.
Be honest. If you are drinking five glasses of wine every night, don’t tell your doctor you’re having one. Or, if you’re smoking 20 cigarettes a day, don’t say “one or two”. These things are all very important details, and your medical management will be based on the information you provide. It really helps us to help you, by providing accurate details.
In order for you to feel as comfortable as possible through the appointment, think about the best way to dress for your check-up … a button-up shirt might suit you best for a breast examination, for example.
Don’t feel personally targeted if your GP wants to weigh you and measure your waist. Weight is a health issue — nothing personal.
July 17-23 is the AMA’s Family Doctor Week and this year the theme is: “GPs are life-savers”.
Picture posed by models.
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