Tips and Ways to Stay Resilient

Doctor-Patient Communication is Key

By Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari

While doctor visits can sometimes feel intimidating, they are essential to maintaining your health. Here are some tips to help you feel more comfortable and make the most of your time together. Having more productive visits can help you build resiliency throughout your healthcare journey.

Partner with your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

Consider your Primary Care Physician your healthcare partner. We live in a time when you can and should

Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari with patient Marilyn L. Anderson team up with your Primary Care Physician and the care team that helps them care for you. As your care coordinators, they can help design a tailored approach to correct things and adapt to your new circumstances.

Communication is key

Communication is the only tool we have to interact with others. We should strive to make it as effective as possible.

Open and honest doctor-patient communication is an important step in building trust.

Come prepared for doctor visits

Time is precious during your medical appointments. Come prepared to ensure you and your PCP have the information necessary to provide optimal care for you.

Dr. Pedro Rodriguez Guggiari is an Internal Medicine Specialist with True Care MD. To view a recording of Dr. Rodriguez Guggiari’s recent presentation “How to Talk with Your Doctor” during Sun Health Foundation’s Coffee with Gina & Friends, visit SunHealthFoundation. org/library.

Coffee with Gina & Friends is an educational series of presentations by physicians and other experts hosted virtually by Gina W. Ore, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Sun Health Foundation. For future dates and topics, and to RSVP, contact Joyce Wilt at joyce.wilt@sunhealth.org or (623) 471-8508.

Here are some tips to maximize your time during an appointment and gain the most out of your visit.

• List questions to ask during your visit — from most important to least. • Update your provider on what’s been done. • Fully share your thoughts and concerns. • Share information about and from other providers. • Bring copies of your test results. • Manage your time wisely. • Bring your updated medication list. • Keep your annual physical/wellness checkup. • Schedule follow-up appointments. • Take questions to specialists — foster the partnership and enhance your care team.