Should Patients Record Their Doctors' Visits?

[ls99]

A headline is from today's Wall Street Journal: Should Patients Record Their Doctors' Visits?

I am not a subscriber, so can not read the article. The headline is good enough for me.

In my experience a visit to the doc involves much note taking by the nurse, doctor, sometimes docs give [-]prattle off[/-] what seems like a canned set of instructions. Then they do some more writing.

The few times I took notes the doc always was keenly interested in what I wrote and peaked over my shoulder to read it.

The problem I see is that the patient rarely gets to read what the doc writes. When instructions are given it is expected that the be followed to T. Else the doc writes ---noncompliant with instructions, orders

Seems recording at least the instructions would be most helpful a half hour after exiting the office. If diagnosis is something bad, the patient's brain usually gets moribound on the diagnosis and never registers the instructions. The prescription to take whatever, is not really helpful in understanding what the ramifications of the diagx is. Thus many turn to doctor google for enlightenment which may in fact lead them down the primrose path or worse.

Opinions?

 

[easysurfer]

A headline is from today's Wall Street Journal: Should Patients Record Their Doctors' Visits?

I am not a subscriber, so can not read the article. The headline is good enough for me.

In my experience a visit to the doc involves much note taking by the nurse, doctor, sometimes docs give [-]prattle off[/-] what seems like a canned set of instructions. Then they do some more writing.

The few times I took notes the doc always was keenly interested in what I wrote and peaked over my shoulder to read it.

The problem I see is that the patient rarely gets to read what the doc writes. When instructions are given it is expected that the be followed to T. Else the doc writes ---noncompliant with instructions, orders

Seems recording at least the instructions would be most helpful a half hour after exiting the office. If diagnosis is something bad, the patient's brain usually gets moribound on the diagnosis and never registers the instructions. The prescription to take whatever, is not really helpful in understanding what the ramifications of the diagx is. Thus many turn to doctor google for enlightenment which may in fact lead them down the primrose path or worse.

Opinions?

My doc's office has an online portal. Not for recording as in "smile, say cheese" but shows stats like my vitals, lab results, diagnosis. The online portal is good enough for me and I've found very helpful. Information like family history (example, any history of diabetes, cancer) and lab results and my vitals compared to prior years I find really informative.

I'd be afraid an audio/video recording of the visit might make the doc be self-conscious and act differently. Plus, I have no desire to get any audio or video of myself during a physical .

 

[Gotadimple]

I can see my patient notes online. It depends on the level of automation at the clinic/practice. You can always ask for a copy of the chart notes - you paid for the visit. They belong to you.

- Rita

 

[Sarah S]

Agree with most of above. At the time I left practice we were required to provide a written summary within 48 hours of the visit. Perhaps the portal is an allowed equivalent. We did not have one when I retired.

If the issue is serious I think most people should have a companion designated as note taker and or record it with the doctor's knowledge. I would not be self conscious or worried unless I had reason to distrust the patient. I was never recorded to my knowledge but I was happy when the patient or companion cared enough to take notes.

The more serious the issue the more important this becomes. When you are getting really bad news it is almost impossible to remember much beyond the initial announcement

 

[MRG]

My new PCP gives me written instructions on what my followup actions are.

Years ago I did pick up the DR'S notes for a C-spine consultation with a neurosurgeon. Interesting read, perhaps written in a slightly passive style.

 

[Alan]

Today we took a friend of ours to the eye hospital for a follow-up to eye surgery he had done 2 weeks ago. (epiretinal membrane removal)

We waited for him in the hospital cafe and when he came back an hour later his wife grilled him on what was said. He pulled out a notepad where he and his wife had made a list of questions ahead of time (such as "when can I start swimming again"), and he had written the answers plus anything else the doctor had said.

He told me it is a lot less painful doing that than the grief he gets from his wife when he forgets to ask something or forgets instructions and advice that he had received.

 

[Sojourner]

A few years ago, I recorded several visits that I had with a specialist using my phone's "voice memo" app. Each time, I turned it on right before the doctor came in and captured everything that was said by both of us during the visit. I did this so that I'd have an exact record that I could keep forever and always refer to if/when needed. Seems like a reasonable thing to do for any kind of medical appointment where a lot of detailed information is being discussed, much of which you might forget or which you might not even consciously register at the time due to "white coat syndrome", etc.

 

[Texas Proud]

I would just note that in some states if you do not get the docs approval you are breaking the law....

IOW, what Sonjourner is doing could be illegal without telling the doc you are recording...

 

[littleb]

I think it would be very helpful to record your doctor's visit but maybe the dr. would not allow it. Due to malpractice issues or giving out the wrong information and it is all on tape.

 

[Beldar]

Like others have said, my doctor's practice has an electronic portal, where I can view all of my medical visits and stats. I can use the portal to communicate with him between visits (it's great). He also allows me to see the more detailed notes, charts, etc on the computer when I am in for a visit.

I personally don't see a need for any recording during a visit. I usually bring written requests/concerns and write down the answers I need. No problem, we have a decent discussion and make the most of the short visit.

I suspect that if I needed a complicated procedure with alot of discussion involved I would bring DW as a notetaker.

_B

 

[Meadbh]

As a former physician, I would be creeped out by having conversations recorded without my knowledge. If someone asked my permission, I would probably agree. Good physicians support patients in making sure we have records of the information we share and the treatment plans we agree to. Just so that we are all on the same page. In complex situations, quite frequently the patient forgets 80% of our initial discussion. So repetition and documentation are important. It's also helpful for everyone to keep a copy of the treatment plan for reference at follow up.

As an example: a close family friend was experiencing shooting pains down her arms and legs. She saw several specialists and had many investigations. The neurologist clearly noted in the chart that MS was in the differential diagnosis and that this possibility had been discussed with the patient. However, she remained in a state of denial for years, and wasted time and money going to chiropractors who manipulated her spine and to various "healers" who waved coloured stones over her. Only when her symptoms became severe did she allow herself to know that she did, in fact, gave MS, and started interferon injections.

 

[Blue Collar Guy]

my mother has an eye dr who has a terrible bedside manner, i used to let mom go into the room, get the instructions and before we left ask mom what she had to do, she is of the generation that just says yes dr and cant remember everything,im just stupid and i cant remember everything, when i would ask the dr what mom was supposed to do, she got all aggravated tell me that she told her and make me wait till she saw the next patient,i recording of the conversation would have made life easier, mom is 91 now we dont go to the eye dr anymore too much trouble getting mom out of the house

 

[braumeister]

I suspect that if I needed a complicated procedure with alot of discussion involved I would bring DW as a notetaker.

This can be a huge advantage.
A number of years ago when DW was having surgery, she wanted me in the room with her. The surgeon was extremely thorough in describing everything and telling her all sorts of things about the recovery process, but DW was so nervous at the time that it all went in one ear and out the other.

For weeks afterward, I would keep saying "Don't you remember the doc telling you that …?" and getting a blank look.

So it was a very good thing for her to have me along. I decided then that if I ever needed a major procedure I would insist on having her with me for the same reason.

If she was not available, I would definitely ask the doc to let me record my instructions with my iPhone. In fact, I would guess that the doc would not only agree, but tend to be extra thorough in explaining things.

 

[Fedup]

I'm alway in the same room with my husband for important meeting. It's like two heads is better than one kind of thing. I tend to remember more details of the conversation with the doctor. However, if something seriously wrong with me, I would go with my oldest daughter. She would most likely pay attention to the conversation better than I can. I would be too stressed out to remember.

 

[Walt34]

I would just note that in some states if you do not get the docs approval you are breaking the law....

Exactly. I'd guess most docs would be okay with it but in MD for sure recording someone's conversation without their knowledge is a crime. If they consent then of course that's fine.

 

[ls99]

Nice to see that some note easy online access to all the doc's notes and test results.

We have an outfit called Excela as hospital and affiliated docs. They do offer online access to records. Their promise was easy ontime access to patient records. It turns out the interface is far less than user friendly, actually pretty dismal. The information is rarely updated, sometimes months go by. The system on a scale of 1 to 10 is barely a 2.

I have gotten copies of test results from the doc's office when I was interested. Maybe one day will ask for copies oft he doc's notes as well.

The Competing system UPMC appears to be better organized, I'll need to look into switching, assuming I find their system actually better and affiliated doc DW and I want to deal with. Got some homework to do

 

[Peter]

Somewhat peripheral to the question, but my current GP was able to pull up past records from Kaiser, which I left several years ago.

I was dumbstruck.

 

[Brat]

I think Kaiser uses Epic as do several healthcare organizations in Portland. Providence and OHSU have a smooth data interface. Kaiser seems to want copies of x rays and records when I am confident they can find them in Epic. Whatever....

 

[6miths]

As an MD, I can't recall ever having had a problem being recorded. I wouldn't be too happy being recorded without prior consent.

 

[grasshopper]

I use to record my visit with my urologist with his permission. It always seemed like he was too busy taking notes while I was asking questions. A year or so ago he had an assistant transcribing for him in real time, he would look through what was noted and would give me a copy. So no more recording.

 

[mpeirce]

I'd certainly ask the doctor first "I don't always remember everything in these meetings, do you mind if I record it".

BUT. It's legal here in Ohio to do so

Ohio's wiretapping law is a "one-party consent" law. Ohio law makes it a crime to intercept or record any "wire, oral, or electronic communication" unless one party to the conversation consents. Ohio Rev. Code § 2933.52. Thus, if you operate in Ohio, you may record a conversation or phone call if you are a party to the conversation or you get permission from one party to the conversation in advance.