Sarah L. Nesbeitt wrote:
>
> I know a lot of people are ready to jump all over the doctor who said
> "everything on the Internet is crap" or something to that effect, and
> while you can't help his attitude, there are some things that can be
> done to help / prevent such situations.  Perhaps instead of simply
> saying that you got some useful information off the net, you could
> say something like "Stanford University Medical School made this
> information available over the Internet" or "other people in my
> thyroid support group have experienced the same symptoms"
> without necessarily mentioning that this support group is electronic...<snip>
> Sarah

Sarah, you've got some very good points!! Also, I'd point people to
David Elfstrom's fabulous article, "How to Talk to Doctors."
http://www.elfstrom.com/arthritis/articles/appointments.html
Best thing on the subject I've ever read.

David suggests that you avoid bringing published material and printouts
to the appointment...he feels this info is distracting for your
doctor... instead, he says you should fax / mail / drop-off the
information BEFOREHAND with a covering note saying that you'd "like to
discuss this at the next appointment, on (DATE)"

As long as your information is at all reputable, they can't dismiss it.

David's article discusses more about how to be assertive and bring up
issues without ticking off the doc. I highly recommend it!

Mary

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Mary Shomon  -- [log in to unmask], [log in to unmask]
THYROID DISEASE WEBSITE:  http://thyroid.miningco.com
THIS WEEK: 6 Questions You Ought to Ask Your Doctor
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