uick Tips—

When Talking with Your Doctor

The single most important way you can stay healthy

is to be an active member of your own health care

team. One way to get high-quality health care is to

find and use information and take an active role in

all of the decisions made about your care. This card

will help you when talking with your doctor.

Research has shown that patients who have good

relationships with their doctors tend to be more

satisfied with their care—and to have better results.

Here are some tips to help you and your doctor

become partners in improving your health care.

Give information. Don’t wait to be asked! 

• You know important things about your symptoms

and your health history. Tell your doctor what you

think he or she needs to know.

• It is important to tell your doctor personal

information—even if it makes you feel

embarrassed or uncomfortable.

• Bring a “health history” list with you, and keep it

up to date. You might want to make a copy of the

form for each member of your family.

• Always bring any medicines you are taking, or a list

of those medicines (include when and how often you

take them) and what strength. Talk about any

allergies or reactions you have had to your medicines.

• Tell your doctor about any herbal products you use

or alternative medicines or treatments you receive.

• Bring other medical information, such as x-ray

films, test results, and medical records.

Get information.

• Ask questions. If you don’t, your doctor may think

you understand everything that was said. 

• Write down your questions before your visit. List

the most important ones first to make sure they get

asked and answered.

• You might want to bring someone along to help

you ask questions. This person can also help you

understand and/or remember the answers. (over)
• Ask your doctor to draw pictures if that might help

to explain something.

• Take notes.

• Some doctors do not mind if you bring a tape

recorder to help you remember things. But always

ask first. 

• Let your doctor know if you need more time. If

there is not time that day, perhaps you can speak to

a nurse or physician assistant on staff. Or, ask if

you can call later to speak with someone.

• Ask if your doctor has washed his or her hands

before starting to examine you. Research shows

that handwashing can prevent the spread of

infections. If you’re uncomfortable asking this

question directly, you might ask, “I’ve noticed that

some doctors and nurses wash their hands or wear

gloves before touching people. Why is that?”

Take information home.

• Ask for written instructions.

• Your doctor also may have brochures and audio

tapes and videotapes that can help you. If not, ask

how you can get such materials.

Once you leave the doctor’s office, follow up.

• If you have questions, call.

• If your symptoms get worse, or if you have

problems with your medicine, call.

• If you had tests and do not hear from your doctor,

call for your test results.

• If your doctor said you need to have certain tests,

make appointments at the lab or other offices to

get them done. 

• If your doctor said you should see a specialist,

make an appointment. 

Remember, quality matters, especially when it comes

to your health. For more on health care quality and

materials to help you make health care decisions,

visit http://www.ahrq.gov/consumer/pathqpack.htm

www.ahrq.gov

AHRQ Pub. No. 01-0040a