In India, hundreds of doctors are available in every nook and corner of the country. They practice various systems of medicine — such as siddha, modern medicine, naturopathy, ayurveda and so on — and patients are spoilt for choice. Many people tend to doctor shop. They see if the next doctor is better, cheaper or can offer them a miracle cure. They listen to neighbours and friends and avidly follow WhatsApp forwards.

Unlike many other countries, there are no centralised patient records in India. Health insurance is not universal. Hospitals and multi-speciality clinics may maintain records. Many smaller clinics do not. Only some hand over results, records and prescriptions to the patients, others do not. Notes and prescriptions are often scrawled in illegible handwriting.

When consulting a physician, you must take all your old records. Previous surgeries, medication, illnesses and allergies need to be mentioned. You may decide that you have something wrong with your hand but it may be linked to another disease in another part of the body that you had years ago. Since no centralised record exists, you must maintain your file with all previous treatments and tests. Carry it with you. If the doctor asks, you have it! If you are planning to switch doctors, take a photo of the previous medication also so that bad handwriting is not a problem. If you do not carry your records, you will wind up in a he-said-she-said situation when no one knows what is happening.

Immunisation is not just for children, it continues into adult life. If timely and complete, it can prevent almost 30 acute and chronic diseases. If you have a fever or other infectious disease, the doctor will immediately be able to rule out many diseases if you have records. They know it cannot be chicken pox or typhoid if you are immunised against it. This is particularly true of children.

To make it easier on both the doctor and the patient, there are
certain things you should keep in mind. When you go for a medical
consultation:

n Fix an appointment and go at the time scheduled. Doctors are busy people. Other patients are also sick and waiting. Don’t repeatedly request to be “adjusted” so that you can cut the line.

n Keep the information relevant. Answer questions honestly and truthfully. If you have come for “women’s problems” and are asked about your obstetric history, answer truthfully. Don’t hide vital details like previous abortions.

n Remember, you need to be examined. Doctors do not have X-ray vision, and it becomes tough for them to diagnose if you do not want to be touched. Dress appropriately. If your problems are in the lower limbs, it does not make sense to arrive in skin-tight leggings that cannot be pulled off easily.

n Blood tests, X-rays and scans help with the diagnosis. They are not substitutes for a physical examination.

Doctors do not want you to overdose on medication and have side effects. So, take the medicine in the dosage and for the duration prescribed. After a single dose, you may feel better, but remember you are not cured. Finish the course.

Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and thyroid malfunctions get controlled, not fixed. So, if you start the diet and treatment and then go and check your blood with another physician or lab, you may get a normal report. That does not mean that the disease has mysteriously disappeared. It is only the medication that is keeping the disease controlled. If you discontinue it, the diseases will reappear.

If you go to another physician with these new results without disclosing your past history, you are likely to have medication discontinued and become very sick.

WhatsApp forwards are often untrue, contain false information and misrepresent facts. Don’t unquestioningly believe them.

Dr Google is not a substitute for the real deal.

The writer has a family practice at Vellore and is the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India. If you have any questions on health issues please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in