Honesty is the best policy – even at the doctor’s office

Are you nervous you might disappoint your doctor? A study found that 80% of patients lie when answering health-related questions at their doctor’s appointments. Whether you round up the number of days you exercise or deny drinking alcohol or smoking, honesty is important, so your doctor has a full picture of your health.

“You shouldn’t be embarrassed because as doctors we are here to help,” says Dr. Desler Javier, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Health Care. “We just need to know all of the information so that we’re in a better position to give you the right help you need at the right time.”

Dr. Javier explains how common health history questions can impact your health if the answers aren’t fully truthful:

Exercise

Daily physical activity can prevent or act as an intervention for various health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes. Lifestyle changes such as increasing exercise are often recommended prior to doctors prescribing medications.

Diet

Similar to exercise, doctors often recommend a healthy, balanced diet before moving on to medication. Keeping an accurate food log will help your doctor determine if additional steps are needed.

Smoking

Non-smokers are less at risk for certain diseases and cancers. If you do smoke, but tell your doctor you don’t, you may miss out on lung cancer screenings that can detect cancer early. Additionally, rounding down on the number of years or packs you smoke can impact your eligibility for these lifesaving cancer screenings.

Medication

Not using medication correctly such as missing dosages and telling your doctor you followed the instructions can prompt them to prescribe another medication, possibly with more side effects. Honesty while discussing your medications with your doctor allows them to best counsel you on what medications you can take with the prescription and catch accidental misuse.

Sexual activity

Being dishonest about your sexual activity can impact your doctor’s ability to assess sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Doctors are trained in providing sexual health counseling and can help walk you through interventions such as birth control methods and PrEP.

Depression or suicidal thoughts

Rapid intervention is key which is why it’s important that you inform your doctor as soon as possible. If they’re aware of your current mental state, they will be able to provide you with lifesaving resources.

The next time you see your doctor, Dr. Javier encourages you to lay it all out on the table.

Bring accurate logs for blood pressure, exercise, nutrition and more.

“You shouldn’t be afraid to disappoint us, you’re only disappointing yourself. We’re here to help you and we know that not every patient is perfect,” says Dr. Javier.

Are you trying to watch your weight? Take a free online quiz to learn more about your healthy weight range.