## Didn’t Get Better After Treatment? here’s Why You Need to Follow-Up With Your doctor
Many patients assume a single visit and a prescribed treatment are enough to resolve a health concern. however, a successful outcome often relies on ongoing dialogue and follow-up. Doctors may believe a patient is improving simply because a standard treatment was prescribed, but that isn’t always the case.
A significant issue is a lack of information regarding whether a patient even *fills* a prescription. Statistically, around 50% of patients prescribed hormones for certain conditions don’t fill their prescriptions. Currently, most electronic health record systems don’t alert doctors when this happens, leaving a gap in understanding a patient’s care.
Even if a prescription *is* filled,a lack of follow-up can hinder effective treatment. A medication might not alleviate symptoms, and a patient may assume the doctor’s approach was incorrect without providing that crucial feedback. Doctors have multiple treatment options available, but they require patient input to determine the best course of action.
Effective healthcare extends beyond addressing the initial complaint. For example, a patient seeking treatment for hot flashes might actually be struggling with broader concerns about changes related to menopause, or the impact of symptoms on their relationships. A doctor focusing solely on the hot flashes may miss the underlying issue, leading to dissatisfaction even if the medication works as intended.
Ideally, electronic health records would proactively facilitate follow-up. A system could automatically check if a prescription was filled and then send a message to the patient asking about their progress. This message could offer simple options: confirm improvement, report no improvement, or indicate side effects, directly connecting the patient to the appropriate care team member, like a nurse.
Tho, as the majority of electronic health records don’t currently offer this functionality, patients play a vital role. if a prescription isn’t filled due to unanswered questions, patients should contact their doctor’s office – through a nurse line, secure email, or a follow-up appointment – to address those concerns. If a medication is taken but doesn’t provide relief, or causes unwanted side effects, it’s crucial to communicate this to the doctor. There are often alternative treatments available.
Don’t assume a single attempt is the end of the road. Healthcare is a collaborative process, and open communication is key to finding the right solution. Remember,doctors have ”Plan B’s” and are ready to explore other options with patient feedback.
updated: September 19, 2025
originally published: November 20, 2020
