If you've got multiple sclerosis, you probably have several doctors. In addition to your primary care doctor and a neurologist, there's a good chance you also see some other specialists. For example, like many people with MS, you might consult an urologist, a speech therapist, a psychiatrist, or an ophthalmologist. At each doctor's office, physician's assistants, nurses, and various other professionals also participate in your care.

As your healthcare team expands, how can you be sure all of these people are working together in a coordinated way? The answer is communication. Good communication among healthcare team members assures your best care. As the patient, you are the "hub" in the network that connects everyone on your healthcare team. Here are some tips you can use to keep all the members of your healthcare team "on the same page."

Provide each of your doctors with a list of all the other doctors you see. Include the name of the doctor, the name of the practice, the address and the phone number. The easiest way to do this is to get business cards from your doctors and lay them all out on a photocopy machine. Make copies and give one to each doctor. If you can't get business cards, you can compile the list on a computer and print out copies. Or, you can compile it by hand and photocopy it. Be sure to print clearly!

Ask your doctors to send each other copies of the notes they make during your appointments. Your doctors should also be willing to consult with each other whenever necessary, or upon your request. Ask your doctors to send you copies of their notes for your file. You can bring your file with you to clinic visits.

It is your responsibility to make sure that each doctor has the information that is vital to your care. For example, be sure each physician knows:

Your complete multiple sclerosis history. Sometimes the key to understanding your present condition is an accurate account of how the disease has progressed.

Your family medical history. Share major illnesses your parents, grandparents or siblings may have had, such as cancer, heart disease, depression, diabetes, and so on.

All the prescription medications and non-prescription remedies that you use. Provide a written list for each doctor.

The results of any medical tests ordered by other doctors. Request copies for each doctor whenever tests are performed.

Relevant information about your diet, exercise, habits, occupation, and family.

When seeing several doctors, you may occasionally receive advice that seems to conflict with or contradict what other doctors have told you. When this happens, ask for clarification. Sometimes different doctors will explain the same thing from the perspective of their medical specialty. But other times, doctors will genuinely have different points of view. If you need to make important decisions about your care, and your doctors don't seem to agree, you can seek another opinion from a different doctor.

Combining the perspectives of several doctors may be quite helpful in planning or modifying your treatment. Don't worry about offending your doctors by requesting another opinion. Good healthcare is all about sharing information and pooling expertise. It's also enhanced by good relationships with your healthcare team. That's why it's always appropriate to remind your doctors -- or any member of your healthcare team -- that you value their expertise and partnership!

First published June 1, 2000
Last updated May 5, 2003
Copyright © 2000 Accordant Health Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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