Tips for Talking With Your Health Care Providers
You and your health care provider are working toward the same goal: A healthier you. Your health care provider can tell you about your condition and help treat any health problems. Good health, however, depends on you. First, use clinic and hospital visits to learn how to best care for you. Second, become a partner in decisions that affect your health care. Talk with your doctors and nurses and plan your care together.
- When making an appointment, find out if you need to have any tests before you see the doctor or nurse. Some tests require that you not eat or drink anything beforehand. You can have a more rewarding visit if your test results are in your chart at the time of your appointment.
- Prepare for your appointment in advance. Think about the reason for your clinic visit. Write down what you want to tell your doctor or nurse as well as any questions you may have. You may want to bring someone with you.
- Be clear when you describe how you are feeling. Here are some things you can write down before your appointment: how long you have had the problem, what you have done about it, if it has changed, and what makes it better or worse.
- If you have been treating yourself or changed the treatment that had been suggested to you, tell your health care provider. To best help you, they need to know how you have been treating your problem.
- Listen carefully to what your doctor or nurse tells you. If you don’t understand, ask questions. Ask your health care provider what your diagnosis is, what caused it, what you should do about it, and when it will improve. Find out if you need to make a follow-up visit.
- Make sure you know how your health care practitioner plans to help you. Repeat what you have heard to make sure you understand what was said. Also, make sure the instructions are right for you. If they aren't, let your doctor or nurse know. Your health care provider may be able to alter the plan to better meet your needs.
- Ask for more information if you need it. If you do not understand something, ask the doctor or nurse to explain it. Take notes or ask for a written sheet if it would be helpful to you. Find out who to call if you have questions after you return home.
Spanish version of this Health Facts for You is 6629
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 08/05/2008
Copyright © 08/05/2008 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #4377
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