As of now, patients who require more time from their doctors due to asking a lot of questions and wanting a lot of information about their case can be labeled as “deviant” by medical staff. However, it is still an important part of being an active inquirer* as a patient to talk to your physicians and be well informed on your medical situation and your course(s) of treatment. This helps you to make responsible and competent medical decisions for yourself. So, the fear of being labeled a “problem patient” by your physician should not deter you from requesting more information from your providers, as long as you do it in a respectful manner.
*Active Inquirers are individuals who inform themselves about their personal medical situations in order to make autonomous decisions for themselves. Skilled active inquirers have the ability to locate the information they need, determine each sources reliability, use the new information to help modify their beliefs, and take responsibility for their knowledge (Kukla 30). Another essential part of being a successful active inquirer is consulting experts (physicians) in order for them to assess the individual’s specific medical scenario, that is why it is important to ask your physician questions about your case and ask them to provide you with detailed information so you can be better informed.