A typical complaint patients have about a visit to the doctor is that they didn’t understand what the physician said. There is often confusion about the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Many patients feel embarrassed to tell the physician they didn’t understand, or feel it is rude to ask him questions, fearing that it may come across as questioning his ability and skill.
While it is true that the study of medicine is a very complex undertaking, with learning medical terminology equivalent to becoming fluent in a foreign language, it is no excuse for a physician not to attempt to make his diagnosis and treatment recommendations clear and understandable. It bothers me to no end when physicians unintentionally or intentionally talk “medical speak” to their patients, being unwilling or in such a hurry that they don’t make sure the patient fully understands, answering all his questions. To me, this smacks of arrogance…
At our practice, we are committed to spending the time necessary with our patients to make sure they clearly understand their diagnosis as well as the treatment(s) to help them get better…..Richard R Samuel, MD Family Practice and Urgent Care Hayden, ID USA
Your path to feeling, functioning, and aging better starts with a single visit. Our physician‑led team is ready to design a personalized plan that supports your everyday health now—and your long‑term wellness for years to come.
