Finding an Asthma Friendly Doctor
Finding a doctor that you are happy to call a part of your asthma management team can be a lengthy process. This information can be used as a guide to find such a doctor, what you can expect from your first visit, and what you should do as a patient.
What to look for
In General
• How are you treated on the phone and in the office? Friendly, responsive staff often reflect a doctor with a similar manner.
• Does the doctor offer and encourage longer appointments?
• Are they willing to listen and take time to talk and explain things?
• Do they believe in prevention?
• Do they treat you as a partner in health care?
• Have they chosen tests and procedures carefully, and prescribed medication carefully?
• What is the waiting time for appointments? Will they see emergencies immediately?
• Can they be contacted by phone?
• Do they have office hours or after work hours?
• Can they bulk bill or must you pay at the appointment?
• Can you have the same doctor in a multi-doctor practice for on-going care?
Concerning Asthma
• Do they have a particular interest in asthma?
• Would they refer you to a respiratory specialist if there were any difficulties in identifying causes and in treating them?
• Do they suggest twice yearly reviews if you remain well?
• Do they have a machine to test your breathing capacity, called a spirometer, in the office and do they regularly use it?
• Are they more likely to suggest a puffer and spacer rather than a nebuliser? (Current practice)
• Do they routinely use an Asthma Action Plan?
What to expect at your first visit
• A history will be taken of your symptoms and you will be asked if any of your family have asthma, hay fever or eczema.
• A physical exam.
• Breathing tests (spirometry) if you are over 6 years of age, that requires you to blow into a machine for at least 6 seconds.
• A trial of medications and a demonstration of any devices prescribed, such as puffers and spacers.
• An Asthma Action Plan and a review date to check medication response.
What you should do
When you find a doctor that you are able to have an open and honest relationship with, it is important that you understand your responsibilities as a patient.
• For your first visit book a half an hour appointment and prepare a lifetime general medical history and highlight any asthma-specific information.
• Accept that you have asthma and that you play an important part in its management.
• Fill all prescriptions and take medications as prescribed.
• Follow the doctor's instructions concerning the avoidance of triggers and other lifestyle factors.
• Report the real situation if you are unable to adhere to the medication instructions.
• Take all asthma medications and delivery devices to each appointment so that your technique can be checked.
• Follow your Asthma Action Plan, or if you don't have one, ask for one.
• Attend review appointments as planned or rebook if you are unable to attend.
• Keep a diary of your asthma symptoms and medication use and take to your appointment.
• Write questions you have for your doctor down and take a pen to note the answers.
• Ensure that you have a follow up appointment date for the next review.
What to ask/tell tour doctor
Here are 10 things to ask/tell your doctor.
How to find them
Use your network
• Ask friends, family members, and co-workers to suggest doctors.
• Find out why they like a specific doctor or why they dislike others.
• Do not automatically rule out someone based on a negative comment. For example, a doctor may have a poor "bedside manner," but be excellent at treating asthma.