Tools to Help You Build a Healthier Life!
How to Talk to Your Doctor or Nurse
Home > Tools to Help you Build a Healthier Life! > 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
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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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
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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.
-
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.
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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.
-
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?
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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.
-
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 will
last. Ask if it has any side effects. Ask how much it will cost. Ask if it is covered
by your health insurance.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
Content last updated September 10, 2008.
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