How to Talk to Your Doctor: 8 Tips for Better Communication
Simple ways to get more from your doctor visits
Simple ways to get more from your doctor visits
Key Takeaways
- Clear communication helps you get accurate care.
- You’re less likely to leave with unanswered questions.
- You can make more informed decisions about your health.
You leave your doctor’s appointment and later realize you forgot to ask an important question. Or maybe there was something you didn’t fully understand about your health status or medical condition and treatment.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Medical visits can move quickly, and it’s common to leave with unanswered questions.
Improving how you communicate with your doctor can help you feel more informed, supported and more engaged in your care. Taking an active role in these conversations can make a meaningful difference.
“Patients who take an active role in their care may not only feel more satisfied with their doctors, but also more in control of their own health and well-being,” says Rebecca Shragge, DO, an internal medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Hillcrest.
Here are eight tips to help you communicate more effectively with your doctor.
1. Prepare for your doctor appointment
Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you clearly explain your concerns and make sure your appointment goes as smoothly as possible.
Ahead of your visit, make a note of your symptoms, when they began or any recent changes in your health. Bring a list of questions you’d like to discuss as well as one for the medicines, vitamins and supplements you take.
Complete any lab tests before your appointment so you can review the results together.
2. Prioritize health issues to discuss
Doctor visits can be brief, so it’s important to talk about your biggest concern first. Begin by clearly explaining the issue that matters most to you.
“Don’t put off things you really need to discuss until the end of the visit. Bring them up right away,” says Dr. Shragge.
3. Be honest about your health habits
Your daily habits can affect your health in many ways, so it’s important to be open with your doctor.
For example, be honest about:
- Smoking or vaping
- Alcohol use
- Whether you take medications as prescribed
- Diet and exercise habits
- Changes in sleep, stress or energy levels
“Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit,” says Dr. Shragge “For instance, mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep or energy level.”
Remember, your doctor’s goal is to help you stay healthy — not judge your choices.
4. Ask questions until you understand
Before you leave, be sure you understand the key points about your health and next steps in your care.
Medical information can feel complicated at times. So, ask your doctor to explain it in plain language. Ask them to repeat instructions you don’t understand.
You might ask questions such as:
- What could be causing my symptoms?
- Do I need any tests or follow-up care?
- Are there treatments or lifestyle changes I should consider?
- Should I start or adjust any medications?
- When should I schedule my next visit?
“If you’re not quite sure about something, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before you leave,” says Dr. Shragge.
Asking questions helps you take an active role in your care. It allows you and your doctor to work together to choose a treatment approach that fits your needs and preferences. This process — called shared decision-making — involves discussing your treatment options, along with the benefits and risks, so you can make informed choices.
Many health systems, including Scripps, provide a summary of your visit through their patient portal so you can review your care instructions at home.
5. Bring a friend or family member if needed
If it helps, bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment. Having someone with you can make it easier to remember information and ask questions. They can:
- Help you remember important details
- Ask questions you may not think of
- Offer support during the visit
“Bringing a friend or family member along can be extremely helpful when it comes to asking questions and clarifying information, especially for older patients or anyone who is nervous about seeing the doctor, or someone who needs a language interpreter,” says Dr. Shragge.
Check visitor guidelines before your appointment.
6. Use your patient portal to stay connected
Communication with your doctor does not end after your visit. Many health systems offer secure online patient portal that help you stay in touch with your care team and manage your health.
Through a patient portal, you can view test results, check your health history, schedule appointments, send messages and review visit summaries. You can also keep track of referrals and upcoming visits, which is especially helpful if you see multiple specialists.
At Scripps, patients can use MyScripps, a secure portal and mobile app that offers all these features, giving you convenient, 24/7 access to your health information and tools to manage your care in one place.
7. Know when to use virtual care
Virtual care, also known as telehealth, allows you to meet with your primary or specialty care provider from home for non-emergency concerns, with video visits being a key part of this care.
Video visits take place in real time using a smartphone, tablet or computer, allowing your provider to see you, discuss symptoms and recommend treatment.
Virtual visits may be helpful for:
- Follow-up appointments
- Reviewing test results
- Minor illnesses or symptoms
- Medication management
At Scripps, patients can schedule a video visit in advance or request a same-day on-demand visit through the MyScripps patient portal to speak with the next available health care provider.
Telehealth is designed for non-urgent medical needs. If you have severe symptoms or a medical emergency, seek immediate care or call 911.
8. Follow your care plans and discuss challenges
Following your care plan helps you stay healthy and gives your doctor a clear picture of your progress.
Your plan may include taking medications as prescribed, monitoring your blood pressure or blood sugar, scheduling tests or screenings and making lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet or exercising more. These steps are especially important for managing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure.
If something isn't working or a medication causes side effects, let your doctor know. Sharing these concerns can help your doctor adjust your plan and find solutions that work for you.