Doctors and patients rush through visits and don't talk about real-life deadly subjects -- and patients sometimes spend more time filling out paperwork and sitting on the waiting room than they do face-to-face with their doctor.
That's a takeaway from a new survey that finds that patients feel rushed when they're finally with their physicians ... meaning some questions aren't asked and health concerns never get addressed.
ImagineMD surveyed 3,000 people and found that:
--9 in 10 primary care doctors never inquire about opioid abuse.
--Even fewer mention preventative health measures related to driving.
--Less than 20 percent of doctors adequately ask about about mental well-being.
If a medical practice has a full waiting room, it can mean patients get only a few minutes with a doctor. After that, the actual visit with the doctor can be complicated by small talk and the overall time crunch.
Experts suggest that you make a checklist in advance of everything you want to talk about -- and keep the doctor until crossed off everything on it.
Or, as an alternative, bring an ally with you to act as an advocate.