Communicating with your doctor

Communicating with your health care team can often feel intimidating. As such, one may tend to shut down and live with troubling questions unanswered. This behavior often leads to further uncertainty, confusion, and exacerbated anxiety. Open communication can lead you to a better understanding of your condition, thus empowering you by giving you a greater sense of control over your circumstances.

Improving communication with your health care team:

Become a well-educated consumer. As a patient, it is important to remember that you are a consumer of health care. The best way to begin making difficult decisions about health care is to educate yourself.

Have someone accompany you to your appointment. It is helpful to have someone there with you for support as well as a second set of ears.

Use your "Questions to Ask Your Doctor" reference sheet. This way, you won't forget to ask about something that was important to you. Remember that your doctor has limited time, so try to be specific and brief. Also remember to ask your most important questions first.

Record your doctor's answers onto the question page. You cannot expect to retain everything your doctor says. Taking notes will help you remember your doctor's responses and instructions. It also allows you to go over the information later when you have more time to concentrate or do research.

If possible, tape-record your visits. Ask your doctor if you can record your conversation. Taping your visit gives you a chance to hear specific information again or share it with family members or friends.

How to Talk With Your Doctor:

Use "I" statements. Say "I don't understand" instead of "You are being unclear." This allows your doctor to hear you in a more communicative voice.

Be assertive. If your doctor says something you do not understand, tell him…but remember to keep it as specific and brief as possible. If your doctor's time is limited, ask if there is another more appropriate time for the two of you to talk in more detail.

If something is unclear, try repeating it back to your doctor, or ask again some other way. It may help to ask for pictures, charts, or other reading materials.

Remember That:

• Your health care team's goal is to help you
• Treatment is a partnership between patient and doctor
• You have a right to expect our doctor to listen to your concerns and to explain treatment decisions
• Good communication encourages an open and trusting environment