New Smptoms: Obtaining a Timely Diagnosis

"Mr. James, I understand you are having problems with your stomach. Tell me what has been going on," Dr. Brown says as he walks in the door.

"Well, I have this pain in my stomach. I'm not sure how to describe it. It started about 2 weeks ago - or was it three or four weeks ago. It comes and goes. I don't know what else I can say," Mr. James replies.

This may be a little exaggerated, but patients' reports to their doctors are often not much better than the above scenario. The doctor has little to go on and then starts with questions he's been trained to ask. He may or may not ask all the right questions and possibly end up ordering numerous tests to try to diagnose Mr. James' problem.

What can Mr. James do to provide his doctor with better information, potentially decrease the number of tests ordered and likely receive a timelier, more accurate diagnosis?

The Most Important Thing

The most important thing Mr. James and any patient or caregiver can do is document symptoms as they occur. It's a simple thing to do. Why are we not likely to do it? Is it laziness? Do we think we can remember the details; therefore, it's not necessary? Do we think it won't help much?

Laziness – it is more about habit and not having an overall management system for our medical care than it is laziness.

Memory – we all think we will remember details well enough to tell our story, but in truth we are not likely to remember much more than 50% of the details including the best way to describe the symptom(s), how we felt or the day / timing associated with each occurrence.

Helpfulness – the more information we give and the more accurate it is the more likely the doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the appropriate tests, if needed, and a treatment plan.

If your doctor is unable to make a diagnose immediately, take the following steps:
• Obtain copies of all test results & doctor appointment notes.
• Do research; if you have not already done so, on your chronic conditions and medications you currently take. You my find a better way to communicate your symptoms or that your new symptoms are connected to them in a way your doctor may not have considered
In the event you still can't obtain a diagnosis, listen to your instincts:
• Get a second opinion
• Ask for a referral to a specialist
• Change providers if you feel your current provider has reached the limits of his or her abilities, says you are anxious or that your problems are all in your head.
To learn more go to www.savvypatienttoolkit.com