LESSON
Make inferences
READING
GET READY
Biata is taking an online quiz about how to talk to a doctor. Do you sometimes
have trouble talking to your doctor at an appointment?
READ
Listen and read the doctor-patient communication quiz.
Why is it important to communicate with your health care providers?
How Well Do You Communicate with Your Doctor?
Many of us have trouble talking to our health care providers. However,
research shows that patients who share information with their doctors
get better results and stay healthier. So how well do you communicate
with your health care providers? Take this quiz and find out!
Doctor-Patient Communication Quiz
Answer the questions. Write “A” (always), “S” (sometimes),
or “N” (never) on the line.
When you visit a doctor, how often do you . . .
1.
make a list of what you want to talk about before your visit? ______
2.
tell your doctor your biggest concerns at the start of the visit? ______
3.
bring a friend or family member for support? ______
4.
speak frankly about your symptoms, even if they’re embarrassing? ______
5.
give honest answers about your health habits and lifestyle? ______
6.
ask questions if you don’t understand what the doctor said? ______
7.
ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions? ______
8.
ask why your doctor is giving you a prescription? ______
9.
ask if a drug has any side effects? ______
10.
ask if there are other treatment options available? ______
11.
ask if a medical test is necessary, and what the test will tell you? ______
12.
ask how long it will be until you feel better? ______
13.
ask for an interpreter if you have trouble understanding English? ______
14.
ask to communicate later by phone if you have more questions? ______
15.
ask where you can get more information about your illness? ______
Scoring
Give yourself: 2 points for each “always” answer
1 point for each “sometimes” answer
0 points for each “never” answer
0–9 points:
You really need to work on your
communication skills.
10–19 points:
Not bad, but you may want to
speak up a little more.
20–30 points:
Nice job! You’re an active member
of your own health care team.
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UNIT 6
