Doctors in Los Angeles CA are known for their patient-centric approach. There are enough cases you read about how a patient is suing a doctor or a hospital for maltreatment. Is it always the fault of the doctor? No. Sometimes, the patient too can be at fault, and the emotional loss of life of a loved one or personal health can make them oblivious to the truth.
There are a few important things that you should know while consulting your doctor, to ensure your treatment goes as planned and you remain in optimal health.
Here, are discussed a few of them:
1. Visiting a Specialist – Many times, a fever that gets extended by a week is treated at home with over the counter medication, rest and chicken soup. Whether the fever is high grade or low grade, or you have a stomach ache that does not seem to heal, visit a specialist. The specialist will get you tested and check on the cause. The pain might be a symptom of some other disease, and they can help identify it and begin treatment.
2. Going to an Internalist – Internalist handle a broad range of diseases and are trained in treating chronic illnesses. They work toward disease prevention and thus, promote overall health for their patients. Regular visits will allow the specialist to advise you on health care required by you, and therefore, ensure you are leading a healthy life.
3. Choosing a Clinic That Speaks Your Language – Language barriers are one of the major reasons why patients are unable to follow the doctor’s instructions. Not taking precautions as required or overdosing can lead to severe consequences. So, if Spanish is your first language, look for a clinic which has doctors or staff proficient in that language. This way you know what the doctor expects and you can follow instructions carefully and precisely. If this is not possible, take a friend or family member who is fluent in English and your language for complete clarity.
4. Taking Time to Understand the Dosage – Doctors are always in a hurry, and the prescription they write may not be legible to you. It is vital that you ask the doctor to re-explain any dosage amount or precaution before you walk out of their chamber or consulting room. Make notes on a pad or your phone. Remember, if a dosage is to be had before meals, taking it after meals will not have the desired effect.
5. Completing the Prescription Course – A specialist or doctor in Sylmar, CA or any other part of the country, has spent years studying the human body and knows how many doses you require. But, some patients, will stop taking their medicines once they are feeling better, and not complete the course. This too can have serious consequences as it means the root cause of your disease has not been completely treated.
In conclusion, patients too are required to keep tabs on their health, first by taking preventive measures, and if a disease is diagnosed, following the doctor’s orders. Keep in mind, chronic diseases take longer to treat, and you may feel frustrated by the number of medicines you have to continue taking for an extended time. Take the support of a loved one, or reach out to a help group, but continue to visit your doctor regularly and do not skip your medication.
