Working with Your Physician

Effective communication – the physician-patient relationship – is an important part of effective long-term management of a functional GI disorder like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The patient interview by the health care provider is the most frequently practiced procedure, accounting for about 150,000 interviews in a clinician’s lifetime. However, the average visit is now too brief, and this has led to the decline of the humanistic approach to patient care. You can help by taking an active role in your doctor visit.

We encourage you to be proactive in your own health maintenance. Make the most out of your doctor visit – be prepared.

Tips to Help Manage IBS

1. Begin by educating yourself about IBS. Symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. They are chronic, intermittent, frequently variable, and often manageable.
2. If your doctor has already made a diagnosis of IBS, stop worrying that it is "something else."
3. Use a diary for a week or two to identify factors that might bring on symptoms or make your condition worse and discuss this with your doctor. (IFFGD has designed a Personal Daily Diary for this purpose. Access a free online version of our Personal Daily Diary here. The full print version version is available for order here or by contacting IFFGD.)
4. Talk to your doctor about treatment goals, develop a plan that is appropriate for you, and discuss options for managing severe pain and other symptoms. Working in partnership with a knowledgeable healthcare provider helps obtain the best possible results.

IBS is a multifaceted disorder and, while there is no known cure, it can usually be managed. But like other chronic diseases, managing irritable bowel syndrome is not easy. Effective management is often dependent on a successful patient-doctor relationship. Although the time you spend with your doctor may be limited, you can help ensure that effective two-way communication takes place during your visit.

Doctor Visit Worksheet

Complete the Doctor Visit Worksheet and take it to your doctor. By providing your physician with information, he or she may be able to gain a greater insight not ordinarily attainable during a standard 15-minute appointment.

What if you and your doctor just don't communicate or get along?

Leaving your physician can be a difficult decision. But it's OK to consider leaving if your doctor doesn't like questions or doesn't listen. Before bolting though, try to express your dissatisfaction. You may be able to correct the situation. Here are some tips on how to handle this decision. Go »