How to Talk to 

Your Doctor 

or Nurse

Waiting in your doctor’s office can make 

you feel nervous, impatient, or even scared. 

You might worry about what’s wrong 

with you. You might feel annoyed because 

you’re not getting other things done. 

Then when you see your doctor or nurse, 

the visit seems to be so short. You might 

have only a few minutes to explain your 

symptoms and concerns. Later that day, 

you might remember something you forgot 

to ask. You wonder if your question and 

its answer matter. Knowing how to talk to 

your doctor, nurse, or other members of 

your health care team will help you get the 

information you need.

Tips: What To Do

l	 List your questions and concerns.

Before your appointment, make a list of 

what you want to ask. When you’re in 

the waiting room, review your list and 

organize your thoughts. You can share 

the list with your doctor or nurse.

l	 Describe your symptoms. Say when 

these problems started. Say how they 

make you feel. If you know, say what 

sets them off or triggers them. Say what 

you’ve done to feel better.

l	 Give your doctor a list of your 

medications. Tell what prescription 

drugs and over-the-counter medicines, 

vitamins, herbal products, and other 

supplements you’re taking.

l	 Be honest about your diet, physical 

activity, smoking, alcohol or drug 

use, and sexual history. Not sharing 

information with your doctor or nurse 

can be harmful!

l	 Describe any allergies to drugs, 

foods, pollen, or other things. Don’t 

forget to mention if you are being treated by other doctors, including mental 

health professionals.

l	 Talk about sensitive topics. Your 

doctor or nurse has probably heard 

it before! Don’t leave something out 

because you’re worried about taking up 

too much time. Be sure to talk about 

all of your concerns before you leave. If 

you don’t understand the answers your 

doctor gives you, ask again.

l	 Ask questions about any tests and 

your test results. Get instructions on 

what you need to do to get ready for 

the test(s). Ask if there are any dangers 

or side effects. Ask how you can learn 

the test results. Ask how long it will 

take to get the results. 

l	 Ask questions about your condition 

or illness. If you are diagnosed with 

a condition, ask your doctor how you 

can learn more about it. What caused 

it? Is it permanent? What can you do to 

help yourself feel better? How can it be 

treated?

l	 Tell your doctor or nurse if you 

are pregnant or intend to become 

pregnant. Some medicines may not 

be suitable for you. Other medicines 

should be used with caution if you are 

pregnant or about to become pregnant. 

l	 Ask your doctor about any treatments he or she recommends. Be 

sure to ask about all of your options for 

treatment. Ask how long the treatment 

page 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

WomensHealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Na t i o n a l Wo m e n ’ s H e a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n C e n t e r
will last. Ask if it has any side effects. 

Ask how much it will cost. Ask if it is 

covered by your health insurance.

l	 Ask your doctor about any medicines he or she prescribes for you.

Make sure you understand how to take 

your medicine. What should you do if 

you miss a dose? Are there any foods, 

drugs, or activities you should avoid 

when taking the medicine? Is there a 

generic brand of the drug you can use? 

You can also ask your pharmacist if a 

generic drug is available for your medication.

l	 Ask more questions if you don’t 

understand something. If you’re not 

clear about what your doctor or nurse is 

asking you to do or why, ask to have it 

explained again.

l	 Bring a family member or trusted 

friend with you. That person can take 

notes, offer moral support, and help 

you remember what was discussed. You 

can have that person ask questions, too!

l	 Call before your visit to tell them if 

you have special needs. If you don’t 

speak or understand English well, the 

office may need to find an interpreter. 

If you have a disability, ask if they can 

accommodate you.

page 

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health

WomensHealth.gov

1-800-994-9662

TDD: 1-888-220-5446

Na t i o n a l Wo m e n ’ s H e a l t h I n f o r m a t i o n C e n t e r

Content last updated September 10, 2008.