Your Health Care Experience
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Doctor/Patient Communication
If you feel comfortable with your doctor, you're more likely to take an active role with your personal healthcare – and achieve better results.
View yourself and your doctor as a partnership dedicated to your health and wellness. One key is effective communication throughout every phase of your professional relationship.
Tips for Effective Communication
Share information:
- Openly share information about your health history, symptoms and feelings. If you think your doctor should know something, tell him or her.
- Doctors are committed to treating your situation with sensitivity and professionalism. Because of this, do not be afraid to share information that may seem personal, uncomfortable or embarrassing.
- Maintain a list of medications you take, or bring them along with you.
- Be sure to mention any allergies or reactions you've experienced in the past.
Seek information:
- Ask questions if you don't understand something -- or repeat what the doctor said in your own words.
- Write down your questions in advance and take notes during your visit.
- Ask the doctor to write down unfamiliar terms, treatment details or next steps.
- Ask if the doctor has any brochures, books or videos that may help you understand your condition or your options.
Follow up - Call the doctor's office if:
- Your symptoms worsen.
- You have follow-up questions.
- You have not been notified about the results of tests that were taken.
- You need to schedule another appointment.
- They've asked you to follow up with them.
It is important to ask your doctor questions regarding your health condition, treatment and any other concerns. Follow our Ask-the-Doctor checklist to prepare for your doctor appointments so that you may have your questions answered.
Do you feel like you leave your doctor appointments with questions unanswered? Use the tips in our Making the Most of Your Appointment guide to help you in partnering with your doctor for your healthcare decisions.