Communicating with Providers

Why Communication Matters

Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential for chronic pain management. Appointments are often brief, and pain is subjective - good communication helps ensure you get appropriate care and feel heard.¹

Before Your Appointment

Prepare Information

• Pain location(s) - be specific
• Pain quality (sharp, dull, burning, aching)
• Intensity (0-10 scale)
• What makes it better or worse
• How it affects daily life
• Treatments tried and results

Bring Documentation

• Pain diary/journal if you keep one
• List of current medications
• Previous test results
• Questions written down

During the Appointment²

Describe Your Pain Clearly

• Be honest and specific
• Use descriptive words
• Explain functional impact
• Mention changes since last visit

Ask Questions

• What do you think is causing this?
• What are my treatment options?
• What are the risks and benefits?
• When should I expect improvement?
• What should I do if it gets worse?

Self-Advocacy³

• You are the expert on your own experience
• It's okay to ask for clarification
• Request referrals if needed
• Speak up if you feel dismissed
• Seek second opinions when appropriate
• Bring a support person if helpful

Building the Relationship

• Be honest about what you've tried
• Follow through on agreed plans
• Report both improvements and setbacks
• Express appreciation for what helps
• Communicate if something isn't working

If You Feel Dismissed

• Ask for explanation of reasoning
• Request documentation in your chart
• Consider asking for referral
• Seek second opinion if needed
• Consider finding new provider

References

1. Upshur CC, Bacigalupe G, Luckmann R. "They don't want anything to do with you": patient views of primary care management of chronic pain. Pain Med. 2010;11(12):1791-1798.
2. Matthias MS, Parpart AL, Nyland KA, et al. The patient-provider relationship in chronic pain care. Pain Med. 2010;11(11):1688-1697.
3. Frantsve LM, Kerns RD. Patient-provider interactions in the management of chronic pain. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2007;11(2):117-123.