Talking With Your Doctor

Effective communication is essential for quality health care, and being well-prepared for your appointments can help you get the most out of your visit.

Tips for a Successful Appointment

Whether your visit is in person or through telehealth, you can take the following steps to ensure you are prepared:

• Make lists of any allergies you have and all the medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you take.
• Make a list of the questions and concerns you want to talk about.
• If you are having any health problems, write down a description of your symptoms. Include information such as when they started, what makes them better, and what makes them worse.
• Ask a trusted friend or family member to come to the appointment with you.
• If your doctor or provider doesn't speak your language, call their office ahead of time and ask them to provide an interpreter.
• During your appointment, take notes about what your doctor or health care provider tells you, or ask your friend or family member to take notes for you.
• Be honest during your appointment. Don't just say what you think your doctor or provider wants to hear; they need to know the truth to provide the best care and treatments for you.
• If you don't understand something your doctor or provider says, ask questions until you do understand.
• Ask for written instructions if you need them.
• Learn how to access your medical records, so you can keep track of your test results, diagnoses, treatment plans, and medicines.
• Ask for your doctor's or provider's contact information and find out the best way to communicate with them.
• Find out what to do if you need more information later.