Transcript Got Questions - Charlevoix Public Library

Ten Questions You Need to Ask Your Doctor
Susan Kroll
Adult Service Librarian
Charlevoix Public Library
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Doing a background check using the American Medical Association
Website
https://extapps.ama-assn.org/doctorfinder/recaptcha.jsp
Janet L Talmo , MD
Primary Specialty (Self Designated)
(note): FAMILY MEDICINE
Gender:
Female
Location:
Charlevoix, MI 49720
Office Phone:
231-547-6519
Medical School:
MI STATE UNIV COLL HUMAN MED, EAST LANSING MI 48824
Residency Training:
ST MARY'S HLTH CARE, FAMILY MEDICINE
Major Professional Activity:
HOSPITAL BASED FULL-TIME PHYSICIAN STAFF
American Board of Medical Specialties Certification:
Copyright 2006 American Board of Medical Specialties. All rights reserved.
Family Medicine
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Have a relative or friend accompany you to
the appointment if you know (in advance) that
there will be an important conversation with
your doctor
They should be able to listen carefully, take
notes and assist you in asking the questions
you compiled to ask the doctor
If you have a continuing medical condition try
and bring the same person to each
appointment
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1-Make a list of the questions you want to
ask the Doctor in Priority Order since you will
probably not get thru the list
2-At the beginning of your appointment , let
the Doctor know you have questions
3-If this is an annual exam ask if there have
been any changes since last year
4-At the end of the appointment repeat back
the instructions or advice you have been
given to make sure you understood the
information
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http://www.ahrq.gov/
A simple question can help you feel better, let you
take better care of yourself, or save your life. The
questions below can get you started. You can build
your own question list with The Question Builder
What is the test for?
How many times have you done this procedure?
When will I get the results?
Why do I need this treatment?
Are there any alternatives?
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What are the possible complications?
Which hospital is best for my needs?
How do you spell the name of that disease,
condition or drug?
Are there any side effects with this drug?
Will this medicine interact with medicines that
I'm already taking? (remember to mention any
herbal remedies)
For patients, Consumer Reports and the medical societies
developed summaries of the lists including:
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When do you need antibiotics for sinusitis? (American
Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology)
Bone-density tests: When you need them and when you don't
(American Academy of Family Physicians)
When do you need a Pap test? (American Academy of Family
Physicians)
When do you need imaging tests for lower back pain? (American
Academy of Family Physicians)
When do you need antibiotics for sinusitis? (American Academy of
Family Physicians)
When do you need an imaging test for a headache? (American
College of Radiology)
How should you treat heartburn and GERD? (American
Gastroenterological Association)
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Source: Let’s (Not) Get Physicals, New York
Times, Sunday Review June 3, 2012 pg. 8
Annual Physical –too many false positives
Annual EKG-if you do not have heart disease
can be misleading
Annual Blood Work-if you feel well no longer
recommended
Annual Cholesterol-with normal results only
needed every 5 years
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Annual Pap Smear-once every 3 years
Prostate specific antigen test (PSA)- no longer
recommended causes more harm than good
Pre-Operation Chest X-Ray-not needed
unless there is heart or lung disease
Bone Scans for Osteoporosis-needed only
after age 65
Lower Back Pain and/or Common HeadachesX-Rays, scans etc. don’t improve the outcome
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1-Come prepared with a list in priority order
and announce this at beginning of visit
2-Do homework if this is your first visit
2-Bring a friend or relative to take notes
3-Ask for clarification and spelling if needed
4-Question why a test is needed if you are
not comfortable with having the test
5-Ask when results will be available and how
you will be contacted