Record a doctors name rank & number
It’s very easy to forget things. We all do it (“Even me”, myHSN Ed)
So. Whenever you interact with a doctor (or any health professional) – face to face, phone, cyber – record the following information. Why? You will forget later, and may need to contact them again.
- Name. First and surname. Ask them to spell it if necessary. Write it down (on paper or your phone)
- Rank. All doctors (and health professionals generally) have a rank in a hierarchy – based on experience. Write down that title down. The boss in a hospital is called a ‘consultant’. In a general practice, it’s a ‘GP partner’. They will have more influence than others lower down in the hierarchy
- Number. How to contact them again, if you need to. Write it down (“we get the picture, myHSN!”)
- Date of that interaction. Write it down (“OK, got it!”)
- Agreed plan. Ask them to repeat it if necessary, especially names/doses of medication (new and changes). Write it down (“OK OK .. yes!”)
Then record that information in your medical record. More about that on myHSN here.
Other resources (especially if not getting what you need)
More information here on what a hospital consultant is, and how to contact them (“yes, they can be a total nightmare to get through to” Eds).
If you are not getting answers about hospital care, each has a PALS service to help guide you. They are a good place to go next. Ring them.
