The 18 Minute Mistake: What Not to Do at the Doctor’s Office

ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — The average doctor’s appointment lasts just 18 minutes, but a shocking number of patients aren’t using that time wisely. A study in JAMA Network Open found that nearly 80% of patients lie or withhold information from their doctors, mostly out of fear or embarrassment.

Every minute matters in the doctor’s office, but many patients are not taking full advantage of their time. Research shows that some of the most common mistakes include not coming to the appointment prepared with questions, and forgetting to mention supplements, herbs, or over-the-counter drugs, as they can interact with prescription medicines in unexpected ways. Another big mistake: not doing your own research.

“We like for them to have knowledge about where their disease process is,” said Tirrell Johnson, MD, oncologist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute.

A very common mistake: not speaking up. If a treatment is too expensive or you disagree with a prescription, say so. Silence could lead to the wrong care.

“We want the patients to ask questions,” explained Dr. Johnson.

And one particular question can be lifesaving:

“One of the most important questions that they can ask if they have cancer is, ‘Are there any clinical trials that are available for my disease state?’” Dr. Johnson told Ivanhoe.

It’s also crucial to be open and honest with your children and teens.

“Talk to the child themselves. ‘Cause a lot of times they feel ignored,” said Nicholas Poulos, MD, pediatric surgeon at Nemours Children’s Health.

And finally follow through. Don’t stop medication just because you feel better. And always follow up on test results. When you team up with your physician, honestly and proactively, you give yourself the best shot at better health.

Here’s one more mistake: not bringing a friend or family member to appointments. They can take notes, help you ask questions and remember what the doctor tells you. And making an audio recording of the appointment will let you review the appointment as many times as necessary.

Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; Chuck Bennethum, Editor.

Sources:

https://www.ajmc.com/view/most-patients-have-held-back-the-truth-from-doctors-jama-results-show

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2802144

https://www.orlandohealth.com/content-hub/4-doctors-reveal-the-biggest-mistakes-patients-make

https://www.today.com/health/doctor-visit-tips-avoid-these-common-mistakes-t109257

https://resources.healthgrades.com/right-care/patient-advocate/10-mistakes-people-make-at-their-doctor-visits

* For More Information, Contact: Tirrell T. Johnson, MD

Oncologist at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute

(321) 843-4790

and

Bill Kallus