How do I check that a patient really understands their diagnosis before I present options?
I stop and ask, then I wait. After laying out the findings I ask directly, does any of this surprise you, and I let the silence sit. If they say nothing surprised them, good, we move forward. If they ask me to explain something again, I go back to the photos and illustrations and stay simple. I do not pile on more technical detail to sound thorough. Here is my rule. If the patient or their spouse cannot repeat the basics of what is wrong back to me, we have a comprehension problem, and I do not advance to recommendations and options until that is fixed. Complexity is the enemy. Understanding is the friend. Selling a treatment plan to someone who does not understand the diagnosis is building on sand. Get everyone on the same page first, every time.
If the answers you are finding here resonate with you, my team and I work with a small group of clients each year. The next step is a complimentary Discovery Consultation and Practice Review with Dr. McAnally.