[Column] Sungman Kim of the Southeast Regional Radiation Medicine Institute Shares Tips for Patients to Receive Accurate Medical Care

Many patients who visit hospitals tend to think, "The doctor will take care of everything," but the quality of medical care can vary significantly depending on how accurately the patient communicates their condition.

Sungman Kim, Deputy Director of the Department of Cardiology at the Southeast Regional Radiation Medicine Institute, has outlined ways in which patients can receive much more accurate care with just a little preparation.

Kim first emphasized that knowing one's exact diagnosis is the starting point of any medical consultation. He explained that although many patients visit several hospitals, not knowing their diagnosis is not uncommon. However, the diagnosis is essential information that determines the direction of future treatment, so it is important to confirm it with the doctor at least once.

Second, he advised that patients should bring their 'prescription' rather than just the medication. It is difficult to know the exact diagnosis or the purpose of the medication with only the drugs themselves, but the prescription contains the diagnosis, dosage times and frequency, and the previous physician's treatment intent. Kim recommended bringing not only new prescriptions but also past ones, and suggested requesting a personal copy of the prescription in addition to the one for the pharmacy. He explained that patients who prepare prescriptions from multiple hospitals allow medical staff to focus more effectively during consultations.

Third, he advised patients to indicate the exact location of their pain rather than describing it only verbally. Expressions like "chest pain" or "abdominal pain" can refer to entirely different areas medically, so pointing to the precise location with one's hand greatly assists in determining the appropriate department and setting the direction for further tests.

Fourth, he recommended organizing the timing and pattern of symptoms before the visit. Acute symptoms that have appeared since the previous day are medically very different from chronic symptoms that have persisted for over a year. Thinking in advance about when the pain started, how often it occurs, under what circumstances it worsens, and how long the pain lasts can significantly improve diagnostic accuracy.

Finally, Kim cautioned against assuming that one does not have hypertension or diabetes and advised patients to base their statements on whether they have been tested. If you have never been tested, it is more accurate to answer "I don't know," and if you have undergone a national health screening or comprehensive checkup, it is best to bring the most recent results.

He added that functional tests such as blood tests and imaging tests like CT or ultrasound are not substitutes for each other, and that even if functional tests are normal, significant diseases can sometimes be detected through imaging tests.

Sungman Kim emphasized, "It is not the person who speaks the best who receives the best care, but the one who is best prepared with information," adding, "With just a little attention, the accuracy of your medical care can be greatly improved."

Sungman Kim, Deputy Director of the Cardiovascular Center at the Southeast Regional Radiation Medicine Institute, is performing a cardiovascular procedure. Provided by Southeast Regional Radiation Medicine Institute