Reasons Why You Shouldn't Go To The Doctors Alone

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Posted: 7:34 AM Jul 15, 2008
Last Updated: 10:57 AM Jul 15, 2008

5 comments

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Patients who bring a companion to their doctor's visits report a better, more informative experience.

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University reviewed surveys filled out by over 12,000 medicare beneficiaries.

They found close to 40 percent of participants were regularly accompanied by spouses or children to their doctor's visits.

Those who had a companion were more satisfied with their doctor's skills and communication, and reported a better experience overall.

Over 60 percent of companions helped with communication, and in most cases, were in better health than the patient.

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Posted by: me on Jul 15, 2008 at 07:40 PM
I'm not elderly and I like someone to go. Sometimes I'm nervous or I don't understand all the terminology. The other person can listen objectively and hear what the patient does not. What does it hurt?

Posted by: Anne Location: Craven County on Jul 15, 2008 at 02:40 PM
I have to totally agree with Anonymous here.My mom is elderly and she dosent fully undestand what the Doctor is saying to her.So it helps to have that extra *someone* there to have a better understanding.

Posted by: Momof3 Location: Greenville on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:26 AM
It sounds to me like the doctors realize that they can't skemp on the information with an extra set of ears there. Maybe those of us in the healthcare field need to make sure that each patient gets the same care and information, alone or accompanied by someone.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 at 09:12 AM
To Patient in NC...If I'm not mistaken this applies mostly to the elderly who are at least medicare age. Having someone with them helps them to better understand what the doctor is telling them. I can certainly understand that because I have a Mother and Mother-inlaw who are both elderly and it helps a great deal to have someone with them.

Posted by: A Patient Location: NC on Jul 15, 2008 at 08:31 AM
It's bad enough having to go to a doctor, I don't want someone else sitting there listening to everything the doctor is telling me!

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