2007-06-05 17:16:28 · 15 answers · asked by Kelso 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Yes...A GOOD DOCTOR can break it down in layman's terms so that you can understand them.
2007-06-05 17:21:08 · answer #1 · answered by CINDY G 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes, oftentimes, because doctors need to speak in technical terms all the time, it continues over to the office. I'm a nurse, so this hasn't been a problem for me.
However, if your background is in construction or banking, or unrelated to medicine, interpreting 'doctor-speak' can be a chore.
So, make the doc slow down and clarify what he just said, telling him that you didn't understand the terms he just used. Usually, docs speak 'that way,' not to try and hide things from you; instead, its a habit they fall into quite early in their training.
For example you may see a QID. Faster for him to write on a prescription QID, that it is to write "take one pill four times every day"
And test terminology? Instead of don't eat or drink anything after midnight, he might say you need to be NPO. Ask him to clarify WHAT he means. He'll be glad to; and if not, find another doc.
2007-06-08 08:41:34 · answer #2 · answered by Nurse Annie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
To echo others here - if you don't understand what your doctor is saying, ask for clarification. Likewise, if you don't think your doctor really "got the point" of what you were trying to say, let him/her know. A good doctor might guess right speak in language that you understand the first time, but it's just as good to have a doctor who speaks to you in a way that you ask to be spoken to.
2007-06-06 01:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by sub7ime 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, most of the time and if I don't I just ask them to repeat, but in layman's terms. I took Medical Terminology and Transcription as college courses several years ago and have two medical dictionaries here at home and a few more medical books. So I can also just look terms up when I feel the need. I also have a PDR.
2007-06-06 00:30:36 · answer #4 · answered by angelcat 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, I'm fluent! I sometimes translate on behalf of my colleagues who don't speak "regular person".
If you don't understand something, ASK QUESTIONS. If you don't get a satisfactory response, TELL your doctor that you need to have it explained more clearly.
I try to do my podcast in easy to understand language.
Check it out - I've got 38 different topics so far, and a new one each Tuesday and Thursday. Click on Play Now to listen right on your computer.
http://www.medicalminutepodcast.com/
If there's something you want me to add, email me. I'm always looking for topics of interest.
2007-06-06 15:19:43 · answer #5 · answered by Pangolin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely!
2007-06-06 00:24:00 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes, if you don't understand it's always best to ask questions before leaving. Don't just accept whatever they say.
2007-06-06 00:19:27 · answer #7 · answered by hamncheeser 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
well i understand what normal, like, check-up doctors say, but dentists: no clue. like, when they talk to each other it's like, S-45. 72 moderate. watch on 98. and i'm like, what? i'm usually do embarassed to ask what it all means.
2007-06-06 00:58:55 · answer #8 · answered by superactress 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"Do not leave the doctor until you understand" yes thats my policy.
2007-06-06 00:24:19 · answer #9 · answered by ssmindia 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes. If you don't, have them clarify. What good is a prognosis if you don't understand what they're telling you.
2007-06-06 00:19:42 · answer #10 · answered by Koosher 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋