Basics about Talking with Your Doctor

Good communication with your doctor is very important. This means having a doctor you trust and feel comfortable talking with and asking questions of. Your doctor should help you make the best medical decisions for your situation.

During a visit to your doctor’s office or while speaking on the telephone, you should share information about how you feel physically, mentally and emotionally. This is a good time to have a written list of questions you want to ask your doctor.

It is helpful to have a basic plan with a list of the topics you want to talk about. If you have several topics, put them in order with the important ones first. Start by giving your doctor information about medicines and/or supplements you are taking and any symptoms you are having. In addition, remember to discuss your health habits, behavior practices, health information you found on the Internet and treatment choices. Discussing these topics with your doctor helps you become a good partner and team member in your healthcare.

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