You are an allied health professional working with an endocrinologist. You have been working with the patient and need to update the doctor on the reason for the patient’s visit. Begin describing the patient’s concerns. Your classmates can continue with this discussion or summarize the rest of the patient’s visit.
I suggest you start by studying this site.
http://www.hormone.org/Public/endocrinologist.cfm
As an allied health professional working with an endocrinologist, one important task is to provide the doctor with accurate updates on the patient's concerns and reason for their visit. It is crucial to communicate this information clearly and effectively. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to describe the patient's concerns:
1. Begin by summarizing the patient's medical history: Before delving into their current concerns, provide a brief overview of the patient's past medical conditions, previous treatments, and any relevant family history that might impact their current situation.
Example: "Doctor, we have a patient named John Doe, a 45-year-old male with a history of type 2 diabetes, which has been effectively managed with metformin for the past five years. He has no other significant medical conditions and no family history of endocrine disorders."
2. Focus on the patient's chief complaint: Identify the main issue or symptom that led the patient to seek medical attention. This could be a particular health problem or a troubling symptom they are experiencing.
Example: "The reason for John's visit today is to address persistent weight gain despite following a strict diet and exercise regimen. He reports a sudden increase in appetite and cravings for sugary foods, which have resulted in a weight gain of approximately 15 pounds over the past three months."
3. Provide details about the duration and progression of the concerns: Include information on how long the patient has been experiencing the symptoms, any changes or patterns noticed, and their impact on the patient's overall well-being.
Example: "The increased appetite and weight gain started three months ago and have been progressively worsening since. John finds it very distressing as it's affecting his self-esteem and ability to maintain his desired blood sugar levels."
By effectively describing the patient's concerns using this structured approach, you can provide the endocrinologist with the necessary information to formulate an appropriate treatment plan and address the patient's needs.