Tips and Tools

Research shows that patients who have a good relationship with their clinicians receive better care and are happier with their care. Communication is at the heart of the doctor-patient relationship.

The resources below will help you to prepare for your medical appointments, ask questions, and talk with your doctor and other members of your health care team.

Use our online tools to get the most out of your health care appointment.

Our Resources

Be More Involved in Your Health Care: Tips for Patients

Patients get better care when they talk with their doctor. This short, easy-to-read brochure gives tips that will help you be prepared before, during, and after medical appointments. Be More Involved in Your Health Care. (PDF file, 420 KB) PDF Help

For free printed copies, call 1-800-358-9295, email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov, or order online.

Notepads to help patients prioritize their questions for medical visits are available. My Questions for This Visit (PDF file, 35 KB) PDF Help.

For free printed copies, call 1-800-358-9295 or email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

For details about co-branding and partnership opportunities, please call AHRQ’s Communications Office at (301) 427-1248.

20 Tips to Help Prevent Medical Errors

Medical errors can occur anywhere in the health care system and can involve medicines, surgery, diagnosis, equipment, or lab reports. These 20 tips tell what you can do to get safer care. (PDF file, 300 KB) PDF Help

For free printed copies, call 1-800-358-9295 or Email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Your Medicine: Be Smart. Be Safe.

Learn how to take your medicines safely by reading this guide. It answers common questions and has handy forms that will help you keep track of information. Select to download the print version (PDF File, 1.2 MB). Plugin Software Help.

For free printed copies, call 1-800-358-9295 or Email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Question Builder

Be prepared for your next medical appointment. The Question Builder makes it easy to create a list of questions to take to appointments.

Waiting Room Video

This 7-minute video features patients and clinicians discussing the importance of asking questions and sharing information. To order a free copy of this video on DVD, call 1-800-358-9295 or Email AHRQpubs@ahrq.hhs.gov.

Public Service Ads

People ask more questions when ordering a meal than they do during medical appointments. When you ask questions, you get answers that can help you make better decisions and receive better quality care.

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