How To Be Honest With Your Doctor

by

One of the keys to getting the most out of a doctor-patient relationship is to be honest with your doctor. However, nearly 30 percent of people have lied to their doctor. If you lie to your doctor, then you probably will not be able to get the best care. There are several things that people lie about, and these lies can be harmful.

Lie: I am Following a Healthy Diet

You have to be honest with your doctor about your diet. If you lie and say that you have a good diet and your lab work does not reflect that, then your doctor will know something is wrong. You may end up being prescribed more medication, which can be harmful. If you tell your doctor that your diet has not been the best, then they can help you make changes.

 

Lie: I Don’t Smoke Anymore

Ten percent of smokers have lied to their doctors and told them that they quit smoking. They stated that they did not want to be lectured by their doctors. However, if you are still a smoker, then your doctor needs to know this. If you lie, then you may not be able to get the right treatment for conditions like asthma and bronchitis. Smoking also increases your risk of developing heart disease, which is something that your doctor needs to know.

 

Lie: I am Taking all my Medications

Many people will either change their dosage or stop taking their medication without consulting with their doctor first. Lying to your doctor about your medication can be risky. Your doctor may prescribe you more medication, which can result in serious health problems.

Let your doctor know if you stopped taking the medication because of the side effects. You may be given another medication. Your doctor may also give you a different medication.

 

Lie: I Don’t Drink

Moderate alcohol consumption will likely not harm your health. However, if you are consuming more alcohol than you should, then you will need to tell your doctor that. Excessive alohol intake can raise your blood pressure and lower your blood sugar. Keep in mind that even if you do not drink every day, you can still be putting your health at risk. Frequent binge drinking can increase your risk of health problems. Furthermore, alcohol use can affect certain medications.

Telemedicine, Mobile Technology and the Future of Urgent Care

by

TelemedicineThere are countless conflicting ideas surrounding what the future of Urgent Care might look like for the American public. Walk-in urgent care centers continuously spring up around the nation, and the physicians in this field continue to push limitations and boundaries, proving that they’re capable of meeting almost any need posed by a patient. However, what’s inarguable is the role played by new technology and telemedicine services when it comes to transforming this industry, particularly services that provide doctors on demand. 

Pager, which is an application that flaunts the tagline “skip the waiting room,” allows patients to schedule a health check and assessment of overall health via their mobile device. Patients are effectively able to connect with a nurse practitioner or doctor and receive answers to questions and concerns. They’re able to talk to a certified doctor or nurse over the phone, who will help to diagnose and treat symptoms. Additionally, doctors are made available to visit you at your home, office or hotel. They’re can help you wherever you are. 

DoctorOnDemand, HealthTap, Remedy Inc. LiveHealth Online, Microsoft HealthVault, HelloMD, Text4Baby, PillPack, Ping MD, Heal, Medicast, and RevUp are similar apps, available at different costs, which has and will continue to impact the way patients and doctors treat health and wellness. These services are a new twist on the old concept of house calls provided by doctors, but these direct-to-consumer services also attempt to cater to the immediacy of modern life.

Experts tend to agree that these technologies fill a necessary void, providing timely service to those who are immobile or shut-in. However, there are drawbacks. Firstly, these services tend to only be available in major cities, such as Seattle, New York, Nashville and San Francisco. Also, while you’re put into contact with a doctor with the same amount of effort that it might take to order a pizza, you aren’t in an urgent care facility, which likely has the tools and the devices to treat your ailment. Also, some patients do risk being misdiagnosed by competent, but misinformed drop-by clinicians working for medical apps. Some simply aren’t trained to make house calls, and others may not be the correct specialist to meet your needs or service your particular emergency. Additionally, these services don’t foster long-term doctor-patient relationships.

For those choosing to use these apps, be sure to do your research because technologies and doctors differ. Moreover, know the difference between emergency and urgent, don’t neglect primary care, and pay attention to your history and records to help that doctor to properly identify any potential long-term illnesses or chronic conditions.

Together, new apps, primary care, emergency services and urgent care services can work together to offer you the health care that you truly need.