Talking to Your Doctor
Get the Most from Your Doctor's Visit
Four Steps to Success
Do you leave your doctor's office more confused than when you arrived? Do you forget to write down what your doctor told you? Do you wish your doctor had explained things more clearly? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are not alone.
Many people don't understand what their doctors tell them. Doctors use words you don't hear everyday. If English is your second language, you may have an even harder time understanding what is going on.
Poor communication between you and your doctor can lead to trouble. You may be sent for tests you don't need. Or your doctor may have a hard time figuring out what is causing your health problem. That’s why it is important that you take action to understand your doctor.
What Can You Do?
These four steps can make your next visit to the doctor more successful.
Prepare.
Before your next visit to the doctor:
- Find your insurance card (and bring it with you). If you don't have insurance, visit www.planforyourhealth.com. You can order the Insure Your Health: A State-by-State Guide to Finding Free or Low-Cost Health Insurance Programs. This can help you find free and low-cost programs.
- Ask if your doctor speaks Spanish or has a translator to help. If not, bring a trusted friend or family member (18 years of age or older) who speaks Spanish and English.
- Write down the medicines you take. Include those that needed a prescription from a doctor and the ones you buy over-the-counter. Write down the dosage, when you take it, and how long you’ve been taking it. Or better yet, gather all of your medicines (prescription and over-the-counter) and bring them with you to the doctor. This way, your physician can get the medicines' details directly from the labels.
- Write down any changes in your health, such as headaches or sore muscles.
- Make a list of questions to ask your doctor. Don't worry if some questions sound silly. Anything about your health that is important to you is important to your doctor.
Share.
When you talk with your doctor, be honest about your health. Share your:
- Family medical history, such as whether anyone in your family has or had cancer, high blood pressure or any other illness
- Allergies
- Recent changes in your health, diet, exercise or lifestyle (such as stress, or any weight gain or weight loss)
Ask.
Don’t feel rushed at the doctor’s office. Speak up:
- Ask every question that you want the doctor to answer.
- Have the doctor repeat anything you don’t understand.
- If your doctor says you need tests or exams, make sure you understand what they are and why you need them.
- Find out if your insurance covers what your doctor recommends. Ask if you need written approval from your insurance company or a referral. If your doctor's office can’t answer these questions, call your insurance company to find out.
Act.
Your doctor can tell you what to do to improve your health, but you need to:
- Write notes during your appointment.
- Follow the doctor’s instructions.
- Take your prescription medicines exactly the way your doctor tells you.
- Learn about and eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water and decrease your intake of drinks that contain sugar.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
- Don't smoke.
Click here to download and print a shorter version of the guidelines.
