Doctor Talk

I’ll set the scene: You have been admitted to the hospital and this time your Primary Care Physician (PCP) won’t be coming to see you as an inpatient, so you’re assigned a hospitalist. A hospitalist is a physician who specializes in inpatient care. The hospitalist just read your medical record when they approach your bed to discuss your care…
Communicating with this new physician can seem intimidating since you’re in a new environment and sick enough to be admitted. It’s important that you tell the hospitalist and nursing staff all the important details of your medical history and current symptoms so the best plan of care can be created. There’s a natural hesitancy not to tell a stranger everything about your private medical conditions, but the physician and staff are here for you and you’re protected by federal privacy laws. The time to open up is now.
It’s no secret that hospitalists and PCP’s have a lot of patients to see in the hospital and don’t always ask if you have any questions before they leave your hospital room. Please don’t let that stop you from asking. It’s best to be prepared. Write down the question(s) beforehand so that you’ll be organized, then ask the physician if they “have a minute” to answer your most important question(s) and fire away. Think of it as a “grocery list” for your acute health problems. If possible, it’s best to limit questions to the appropriate specialist. For example, the neurologist will not be able to answer your question about an ankle rash. Your nurse is your guide about which physician to ask which question on your list.
If you listen to the physician’s answers and are not sure if you understand, it’s ok to repeat back what you think he/she said and let them correct you if need be so you’re both on the same page. Misunderstandings left uncorrected are worse than not understanding at all.
It’s important to be proactive and involved in your own care. As Texas Health Harris Methodist’s “Patient Rights and Responsibilities” states, “You have the right to take part in developing and carrying out your plan of care.” Communication is the key and whether you’re at our hospital or a routine physician’s appointment, it’s best to make the most of that limited time by being prepared.

- Craig Pomykal
Patient Advocate