You and your Cardiologist: Building Trust
Individuals who have been diagnosed with heart disease or any cardiovascular condition that may require ongoing care know the value of building trust within the doctor-patient relationship. We recognize the importance of trust, as well. Our staff of physicians and assistants know the unsettling feeling that goes hand-in-hand with heart disease, and we also know the peace of mind that can be gained when interactions between ourselves and a patient are positive. Here, we will discuss what it takes to have a trusting relationship with your cardiologist.
Finding Your Right Physician
Really, there is no trick to finding the right physician. What a lot of patients miss is the importance of simply liking the doctor you choose to work with. Yes, you may receive a referral from your family physician or your insurance company. Yes, the doctor who has been recommended to you may be phenomenal; highly-trained and experienced. On the flip side, if your personality and that doctor’s personality do not blend well, the relationship may feel stifled from the get-go.
Listen to your instincts. If you find yourself holding back with your cardiologist, that is enough reason to keep looking. The team at Premier Cardiology Consultants strives to answer questions clearly and with sufficient information to help you gain peace of mind. We have several physicians with whom you may meet and want you to know that we prioritize your comfort.
Doing Your Part
Obviously, great care comes from knowing the fine details of your lifestyle, your condition, and your preferences. This is why it is important that you feel really comfortable with your cardiologist. Sharing the full extent of information needed to care for your heart can feel intimidating, but it is necessary that you do not leave out any of the details. Sidestepping important issues means diminishing the quality of care you obtain, and no one benefits from that.
As you prepare to see your cardiologist, write down a detailed list of medications, including dosages. Also be prepared to discuss your eating habits and other lifestyle factors, as well as your family medical history.
Your cardiologist is a healthcare provider whom you may see on a regular basis, so relating is a key element that requires a bit of finesse.
We are here to help you enjoy an optimal quality of life in the face of cardiac issues. Call 516-437-5600 to schedule a visit to one of our 3 New York locations.
Posted in: Heart Health