Making the Most of Your Appointment

Overview

Many people are more satisfied with their health care if they share the responsibility with their doctors. Your doctor is an expert on medical care, but you are the expert on yourself. Often there is more than one option for diagnosing or treating a condition.

By being a partner with your doctor, you can help choose the option that best fits your values, beliefs, and lifestyle. You also will feel more confident about carrying out the chosen treatment.

How can you partner with your doctor?

Here are some tips for being a good partner with your doctor:

• Build a relationship with your doctor.

  Let your doctor know that you want to be a partner in your health care. Tell the doctor what your expectations are.

• Tell your doctor if you have accessibility concerns.

  Tell your doctor if you need help moving around at your visit. For example, you could ask for a wheelchair or for help getting on the exam table. Tell your doctor if you are hard of hearing. Ask your doctor if they have handouts in larger print or in a different language. Or tell your doctor if you need an interpreter to speak a language you feel more comfortable using.

• Be an active participant in each appointment.

  Listen carefully to what your doctor says. If you do not understand a diagnosis or treatment, ask questions. And tell the doctor if you think that following the prescribed treatment will be hard for you.

• Have a family member or friend with you during your appointment, if possible.

  They can take notes, ask questions to clarify information, and help you remember what your doctor says.

• Bring your medicines to your appointment.

  If you take prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal remedies or vitamins, bring all of them with you to any appointment with your doctor. If you cannot bring the medicines, bring a list of the medicines that you take.

• Ask for instructions.

  Before you leave the doctor's office, make sure you know what you are supposed to do to care for yourself. Ask for written information, links to videos and websites, and any other instructions.

• Be sure to make and go to all appointments.

  Call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

• Prepare your child for tests and exams.

  Let your child know why they are seeing a doctor and what will be done during the visit. Your child's age and developmental level will determine how best to prepare them. And ask your older child if they would like to speak to the doctor alone. Teens may be more willing to talk about topics such as sexuality, mental health, and drugs or alcohol if they know they can have time on their own with their doctors.