Innovations in End-of-Life Care
an international journal of leaders in end-of-life care

QUICK TIPS FOR WORKING WITH THE DOCTORS

The First Visit

• Introduce yourself to the doctor, giving your name and relationship to the patient.
• Inform the doctor what she/he should know about the patient, his/her health, circumstances, and anything else you think the doctor needs to know.

Be Prepared

• Think about what you want to know from your doctor and prepare questions in advance.
• Write questions on index card, or in a notebook. Take notes when talking to your doctor.
• Ask for more explanations until you understand.
• Bring a friend to help you remember and understand. Ask your friend to take notes.

Phone Talk

• Become familiar with the doctor’s secretary. Introduce yourself, and find out her name. Use her name whenever you call.
• Be pleasant and greet her. She is your link to the doctor.
• Ask when is a good time to call to speak to the doctor.
• If you must leave a message, make sure you leave your name, the name of the patient, and your relationship to the patient.
• Leave a clear short message.
• Leave a telephone number and when YOU will be at this number. Be there!
• Leave two numbers if necessary.
• Have your questions ready when you do speak to the doctor.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, SAY SO:

"THIS IS AN EMERGENCY!"

QUICK TIPS FOR WORKING WITH THE DOCTORS
By Beth-Ann Gillery, CSW for Caregiving Initiative