Make the Most of Your Appointment
Often, medical appointments are short but full of information. To make the most of your appointment and understand what your doctor is saying, ask about anything that does not seem clear. For instance, you might ask:
I want to make sure I understand. Could you explain that a little more? or
I do not understand that word. What does it mean?
Another way to check is to repeat what you think the doctor means in your own words and ask,
Is this correct?
Here are some other ideas to help make sure you have all the information you need.
Take notes— Take along a notepad and pen and write down the main points. Or, if you bring along a family member or friend, ask them to take notes. Many doctors print information for their patients to take home, or you can ask the doctor to write down the information for you. If you can’ t write while the doctor is talking to you, make notes in the waiting room after the visit. Or, bring an audio recorder to record what is said. Always ask the doctor if it’ s okay to record your conversation before starting the recorder. Taking notes or recording your conversation is especially helpful if you want to share the details of the visit with others.
Get written or recorded materials— Ask if your doctor has any brochures or other materials about your health conditions or treatments. For example, if your doctor says that your blood pressure is high, he or she may give you brochures explaining what causes high blood pressure and what you can do about it. Ask the doctor to recommend other sources, such as websites, disease management centers, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that may have written or recorded information you can use. Download or order NIA’ s free print publications on aging at https:// order. nia. nih. gov.
Talk to other members of the health care team— Sometimes, the doctor may want you to talk with other health professionals who can help you understand and manage your condition. Gerontologists, pharmacists, case managers, and occupational or physical therapists may be able to spend more time working with you than the doctor can.
Call or email the doctor— If you are uncertain about the doctor’ s instructions after you get home, call the office. A nurse or other staff member can check with the doctor and call you back. Some doctors or other health professionals have an email address or online health portal you can use to send questions.
16 Getting Information