This issue of
AAMC
magazine is all
about healthy conversations.
Did you know there’s no such thing
as TMI—too much information—
with your doctor? In fact, good
communication can actually lead to better healthcare
for you.
If you’d like to help improve your patient-doctor talks,
here are some ideas:
Share openly.
Your doctor can check your blood
pressure and more. But he or she won’t know a lot of
other things without your help, such as:
›
Your health history and lifestyle habits.
Paint an
honest picture, and try not to be embarrassed about
sensitive topics. Read the story on page 4 about the
importance of talking with your doctor about sexual
health issues.
›
All the medicines that you take.
Make a list of
your prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs and
supplements, and note whether you’ve had any side
e ects or reactions.
›
Symptoms you’ve noticed.
Include what seems to
trigger them and what makes them better.
Ask questions.
Bring a list of your health questions
and concerns to each appointment. Also, don’t be
afraid to ask questions about a diagnosis or about
the medicines, tests or treatments that your doctor
recommends. Take notes. See the article on page 6 about
talking with your doctor about a breast lump.
Speak up.
This is especially important if you don’t
understand what your doctor is telling you. Ask to have
something explained until it’s clear. On page 11, read
about two sisters, featured on the cover, who had the
courage to bring up sensitive health issues and now live
happier, pain-free lives.
Share openly and honestly, and you’ll enjoy better health.
In good health,
Tori Bayless
President and CEO
Anne Arundel Medical Center
Can We Talk?
AAMC COLLABORATIVE CARE NETWORK
Delivering Better
Healthcare to Our Patients
Anne Arundel Medical Center (AAMC) is part of an Accountable Care
Organization (ACO) that includes 65 local healthcare providers serving
12,000 community members who have Medicare. An ACO works to
deliver coordinated care, and providers are collectively accountable for
the cost and quality of patients’ care. The goal is to collaborate, build
trust, optimize costs, and deliver better health outcomes for patients.
We want to partner with you to help you live
healthier. Sign up for Healthier U, our free monthly
eNewsletter, and get the latest health news and
information delivered to your inbox each month.
Visit askAAMC.org/Email
or call
443-481-5555
.
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A AMC MAGA Z I N E | E A R LY F A L L
LEADING
the Way
