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Talking with Your Doctor

Building a partnership with a physician that addresses your needs is crucial. You need to be assertive, ask questions, get options to choose from, and make sure that you are comfortable with the plan. Doctors are busy people, but that doesn't mean they don't want you to ask questions. Here are some steps that may help establish good communications:

• Prepare questions ahead of time. Make a list of your most important concerns and problems. Issues you might want to discuss with your physician are changes in your symptoms, medications or your general health.
• Enlist the help of the nurse. Nurses are sometimes called "patient advocates"—which means they look out for you. Your nurse may help answer questions about various tests and examinations, surgical procedures, recovery and rehabilitation.
• Make sure your appointment meets your needs. When you schedule your appointment, be sure you convey clearly the reasons for your visit so that enough time is allowed. If you can, schedule your appointment for a time when you can be as relaxed as possible. If you think of questions after the doctor leaves the room, be sure to stop and tell someone in the office. You can leave your questions and the doctor or one of his staff members can call you back with the answers.

Questions to ask and information you should bring

You can use these handy lists of questions when you talk with your doctor. Print them out and bring them along to your first appointment. These lists are especially helpful if you’re not quite sure what to ask—and writing down the answers will give you something to refer to once you are home.

Questions to ask

Information your doctor wants to know

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