DEAR DR. GOTT: My elderly sister and brother-in-law indicated to me that when they last saw his doctor, the doctor was asked if it would be okay to tape the meeting. He asked that they wouldn’t. No reason was given and I think they were a little bit intimidated to press it. I was surprised by that answer for a couple of reasons. First, memories (and hearing) usually decrease as we age and so a record would have been beneficial. Second, I would be somewhat suspicious of someone who wouldn’t stand behind what he or she said. Taping should not be a factor.
Do you think such a request was unreasonable?
DEAR READER: Absolutely not. In my opinion, your sister and brother-in-law are well within their rights to audio record their doctor appointments. This, as you pointed out, is beneficial for older individuals who may have difficulty remembering, especially if a medication is adjusted or newly prescribed. While I would not be immediately suspicious of a physician who refuses recording, I would be very interested in hearing his or her reasoning behind the denial. Perhaps he or she has had an incident in the past where recordings were altered to make it appear the physician was at fault for a mis-diagnosis, etc.
I recommend you urge your sister and brother-in-law to return to their physician and if he or she cannot provide a justifiable reason why recordings aren’t allowed, then I would become somewhat suspicious.
That said, if your family members are comfortable with this doctor and don’t wish to make a change, they will have to live with the decision. However, they are free to choose a new physician whenever they wish, preferably one who will agree to audio recordings.
In the meantime (and this applies to everyone who sees a doctor for any reason), I suggest extensive note taking. Bring a pad and pen to every appointment and write down everything of importance. You don’t have to get carried away with asking your doctor to repeat himself, nor should note-taking take an extended period of time. However, if a medication is adjusted or prescribed, write down the name, dosage and reason it was given. If testing is needed, write down the name of the test and why it’s being ordered. If the testing is done in office with immediate results, write down the results, also. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be sure the physician (or physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, etc.) answers those questions in a clear, concise, understandable manner.
Finally, the best way to reduce physician visits and the necessity for medication is to be proactive. These steps will help keep your body and brain going for a long time to come. Eat healthfully to include fresh fruits and veggies, lean protein and whole grains. Avoid processed foods, unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar when possible. Try snacking on apple slices with peanut butter or dried fruits and nuts instead of candies, cakes, cookies, and iced creams. Keep those goodies for special occasions such as parties, or once or twice a week as a reward for good behavior.
Exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Walk around the block after dinner. Take a bike ride on your day off. Go swimming during those hot summer afternoons. Try new things like snow shoeing or cross-country skiing during the winter or tennis or badminton in the summer. And, don’t forget gardening. It’s not only a gentle form of exercise but it’ll get you outside and provide you with all sorts of delicious foods for your dinner table.
See your physician once a year for a regular examination and for any vaccinations that might be beneficial such as the annual flu shot, a pneumonia shot, the shingles vaccine for those over 60 with a history of the chicken pox, and a tetanus booster every 10 years.
