You have 11 seconds to describe your issue to the doctor before being cut off, according to a new study.
The study showed that just a third of physicians give patients a chance to tell them why they’re there.
It found that specialists, compared to primary care physicians, were in the biggest hurry.
The doctor/patient relationship is one of the most important we have and communication should be a two-way street.
KTRH’s Dr. Joe Galati said it's unfortunate some patients are getting short-changed.
“Go in with no more than three or four written out questions ahead of time. That is going to be the most efficient use of everybody’s time. And, make sure you do get those three or four questions answered,” said Galati.
He said in order for people to get well and take care of themselves, they have to be able to tell their story without being cut off abruptly.
“Be concise, write the questions down and really don’t have expectations to have more than three or four questions asked,” said Galati.
He said one of the big problems is that physicians aren't being trained in communication skills.
Plus, all doctors are under the gun to see more patients due to various financial stresses.
The study found specialists spend even less time with patients for even more complicated issues.
Galati, a liver specialist, said he spends 30 minutes to an hour with new patients. Follow up are about 15 minutes.
Galati
said patients have to raise the bar for their doctors. We need to stop allowing poor standards to be tolerated.
If they're needs aren't being met, they need to move on and get a different doctor who will listen to them.
He advises people to think like a consumer. Healthcare is a business transaction. You wouldn't allow mistreatment at a restaurant, so why tolerate it with your health?
Galati has a new book out which you can check out here.
You can also catch him on KTRH, Sunday nights at 7, on “Your Health First”.