Talking with Your Doctor

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What information should I bring with me to the doctor visit?
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2. What should I include in my visit plan that I prepare before going to the doctor?
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3. Why is it important to communicate well with my doctor?
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4. What can I do to make the best use of my time with my doctor?
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5. What should I include when I describe a symptom to my doctor?
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6. What should I do if I do not understand something my doctor says?
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7. What types of medications does my doctor need to know that I am taking?
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8. What kind of habits should I tell my doctor about?
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9. Should I mention any assistive devices I may be using?
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10. What kind of life changes should I tell my doctor about?
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11. Besides my health problems, what are some other topics that I may want to talk to my doctor about?
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12. As I age, are there things I can do to prevent disease?
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13. What are ways I can remember what my doctor says during a visit?
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14. What is the benefit of bringing a family member or friend to my doctor visit?
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15. If, after my doctor visit, I have questions about medications prescribed for me, is there someone I can talk to besides my doctor?
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16. Why might a doctor want to do a medical test?
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17. What questions should I ask before having a medical test?
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18. What questions should I ask my doctor once I am given a diagnosis?
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19. What should I know before I make a decision about a medical treatment?
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20. Why might I want to get a second opinion before deciding to have surgery?
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21. If I have to have surgery, what questions should I ask the surgeon?
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22. How might an appointment with a specialist be different from a visit with my regular doctor?
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23. What health information should I bring with me on a visit to the emergency room?
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24. What questions should I ask the emergency room staff?
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25. How can I let my doctor, family members, and friends know my decisions about my care should I become very ill?
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