Here, local medical specialists share their insight.
Seth Hurwitz, MD, Cardiologist, Good Samaritan Hospital
- It is imperative prior to a doctor’s appointment for the patient to keep a list of all current medications/dosages and supplements. Most primary care doctors/cardiologists can give you a card that you can fill out and keep in your wallet or pocketbook so that it is on you at all times. An informed patient who is an active participant in their medical care will get the most out of a visit.
- When seeing the cardiologist, always ask what your risk of a cardiovascular event is over the next 10 years.
- As a follow up question, always ask what your can do to reduce your risk going forward of a cardiovascular event.
- If you are a middle aged patient who is seeing the cardiologist for the first time as a “precaution” I would inquire about whether a coronary calcium score would be relevant to your workup.
- Ask, What are the best “diets” out there to keep me heart healthy?
- Ask, How much exercise you should be doing on a daily basis to stay heart healthy and what kind of exercise is best for your health?
- I encourage all patients to ask their physician why they are prescribing a new medication and what that medication is doing inside the body. Too many times a patient will stop a medication on their own and when asked about why, it’s because they were not fully aware of why they were prescribed that particular medication.
Robert Vincent, MD, Section Chief, Pediatric Cardiology, Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital
- When seeing a specialist, it is important that you know the specific reason for the referral and that you leave the appointment with your questions and concerns addressed.
- Often times you will be told (e.g. chest pain) that your child’s heart is fine and is not the cause of the chest pain. While this is reassuring it can also be frustrating as there is no specific cause or diagnosis that can be given. The important thing is the evaluation has excluded important problems that could hurt you child.
Susmitha Dhanyamraju, MD, Section Chief of Nephrology, MidHudson Regional Hospital
- To get the most out of your appointments, it’s important to be an advocate for your own care—this benefits both you and your doctor.
- Start by bringing any pertinent lab results or imaging to your appointment and preparing a list of questions you want to ask.
- Consider bringing a family member or friend to help you navigate the discussion during the appointment.
- Make sure to ask specific questions, such as how you can improve your kidney health, and maintain open and honest communication with your healthcare providers.
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