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