African-Americans Don't Question Their Doctors Enough

I wrote this for the Key News Journal and it was published in the Feb 19 - March 4 issue.

Going to the doctor makes us all very vulnerable. The gown we are asked to wear does not help matters. We are expected to be honest about our eating habits and our exercise regimen and we allow doctors to question us intensely. We have long questionnaires to fill out and we do it willingly but do we ask our doctors enough questions? A recent study conducted by researchers led by Dr. Howard S. Gordon of the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston concludes that African-Americans are less likely than Whites to question their doctors or raise concern about their care. The findings of this study appear in an article in the most recent edition of NMA (National Medical Association) HealthyLiving magazine.

The National Medical Association (NMA) is the nation's largest and oldest national organization representing the interests of more than 30,000 African-American physicians and the patients they serve. The National Medical Association (NMA) publishes NMA HealthyLiving magazine specifically for physicians and their patients. The publication's mission is to spur conversations between patient and doctor, thereby improving the lines of communication. The quarterly magazine, distributed through the waiting rooms of doctors' offices across the country, is designed to help improve the quality of health among African-Americans and other medically underserved populations.

The article stated that reasons for the lack of communication can range from intimidation to over complicated medical terminology to confusion surrounding medications. "When we see the doctor, we are at one of our most sensitive times and are usually anxious," Dr. Jane G. Fort, an assistant professor at Meharry Medical College in Nashville stated in the NMA HealthyLiving article. "Medical terms, medicines, prescriptions and directions can be confusing, but we also know the doctor is busy. We know there are other patients waiting and often feel we will take up too much valuable time. We may not feel sure enough to speak up and ask for explanation."
We easily ask our mechanics several questions regarding the repairs they suggest on our cars and our employers several questions regarding our benefits. We must do the same of our doctors.

Dr. Sharon Steele, a member of NMA has been practicing in Lexington for the past 4 years and her experiences with her patients have been positive. “My experience has been that my patients readily ask me questions because I give them an opportunity to do so. I realize that some may feel intimidated and not ask me right away but I give them the opportunity to call me after the visit to ask more questions.” She suggests that patients do their own research on the internet before the visit and write questions down so that they don’t forget.

You do have a choice when it comes to who your doctor should be. Interview your doctor and make sure that you are comfortable with them. Chances that you will be comfortable with someone you don’t like are highly unlikely. The following are questions you should ask your doctor in different situations.

Questions to ask about Prescribed Medications:
- What is the medicine's name and what does it do?
- When do I take the medicine?
- How long should I take it?
- How should I take the medicine?
- Are there any foods, drinks or even activities that I should avoid while taking the medication?
- Will this medication work safely with other prescription and over-the-counter medicines?

It is important to make sure your physician knows the following about your health:
- Health conditions that run in your family such as cancer, diabetes or high blood pressure.
- Past illnesses and the medical treatment you received.
- Past hospitalizations and any surgery you may have had.
- Medications you currently take (names, dosages) as well as any medications you have taken in the past that caused severe side effects.

Questions to ask About Diagnosis and Treatment:
- Why do I have this problem? Ask the doctor to explain any medical terms you don’t know.
- How will this problem affect me in the future?
- What treatment should I follow, including medical treatment or dietary and lifestyle changes?
- What will happen if I don’t treat my condition right away?
- When do you want to see me again?
- Where can I get more information about my problem?

Questions to ask About Tests:
- Do I need more testing? If so, what? How much do these tests cost and will my insurance cover it?
- How often should I have these tests? Do I call to schedule the test or will your office do it for me?
- How do I prepare for any tests I may need?
- When and how will I get the test results?

Questions to ask about Specialty Care:
- Should I see a specialist?
- Does this specialist work out of more than one office?
- Can you recommend a specialist? Is he or she board certified?
- How soon should I be seen by this specialist?
- What if I can’t get an appointment for a month or more? Should I try to see someone else?