The
importance of your doctor to your health and your case cannot be
overstated. Your doctor really is vital
for both. One strong device to support
your doctor with his interests in your health is to take a STAR with you to your
examination. It is almost always appropriate to take someone with you to your
appointments. Take your husband or wife,
your father, mother, an adult child or a sibling. If no relative is available, take a good
friend. Have your STAR come into the
examination room with you. Having a STAR
with you helps establish and define in four dramatic ways the importance of
your injuries:
Symptoms: A family member may
notice symptoms or patterns of
behavior that you don’t see and can comment on these to the doctor. These comments help the doctor discover and
treat your injuries.
Time: Another person taking
the time to come with you shows the
doctor that the people around you can tell you are hurting and care about you.
Accountability: Unfortunately,
sometimes it later may occur that you and the doctor remember statements that
are made during the examination differently.
Another person present will help keep the doctor accountable. Your friend or
relative will be able to confirm your testimony about what was said, should it
be necessary.
Remember: The other person may remember to ask questions you forget to ask or don’t even think
of. A second person helps you remember instructions given and
explanations made by the doctor. Four
ears are better than two.
Your doctor and your friend can be ALL-STARS on your team.
