quality reports : Patient Experiences


Quality Insights:
2009 Patient Experiences in Primary Care

Care from Personal Doctors:
How Well Doctors Know Their Patients

What this quality measure means...

Doctors can give quality healthcare when they know as much as possible about their patients. This includes knowing about each patient’s medical history as well as values and beliefs about health and illness.

MHQP measured how well doctors know their patients by asking 2 questions:

  • In the last 12 months, how often did your (or your child's) doctor seem to know the important information about your (or your child's) medical history?
  • How would you rate your (or your child's) doctor's knowledge of you as a person, including values and beliefs that are important to you?

Ways your doctor can help...

  • Learn about your medical history and current health problems. The first time a doctor sees you as a new patient, he or she should ask about your medical history and that of close relatives. In future visits, the doctor should update your medical history with information about current health problems and concerns.
  • Have a record-keeping system that makes it easy to find your health information. A doctor's office can have systems that make it easy to find your past and present health information. This is needed whether doctors meet with you in the office, talk by phone, or consult with specialists about your treatment and care.
  • Learn about what matters to you. This includes knowing your values and beliefs about treatments, care, and desired results. The doctor should take extra time to learn this information when meeting with you for the first time. When making decisions about treatment choices your doctor should talk with you about the benefits (how treatments can help) and risks (problems that can happen) of each treatment.

Ways you can help...

  • Give your doctor complete and accurate information. This includes current health problems as well as medical history (medications, surgery, and illnesses). The doctor may also want to know about the medical history of your close family members. Make a list of important information you want to discuss before you see a doctor for the first time.
  • Talk about what is important to you - even if the doctor does not ask. This includes religious beliefs or other values you have about treatments and care.
  • Discuss benefits and risks before you make a treatment choice. Many times, there is more than one way to treat an illness or health problem. Talk with your doctor and learn as much as you want to know about the benefits (how treatments can help) and risks (problems that can happen) of each treatment choice.

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