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staying healthy
QUICK TIPS
When talking with your doctor
KFHC office address: 5701 Truxtun Ave., No. 201, Bakersfield, CA 93309
has told you. Here are some tips
on asking your doctor questions
during the exam:
Take notes.
Ask questions every time you
don’t understand something.
Write down your questions
before your visit. List the most
important ones rst.
H
ow well you and your
doctor communicate with
each other is one of the
most important parts of getting
good health care. Here are some
tips to help you make the most of
your visit.
Give information. Don’t
wait to be asked!
Be sure to
tell your doctor about any current
and past health care issues or
concerns. It’s important to share
any information you can, even if
you’re embarrassed.
Tell your doctor about any
symptoms you are having, such as
urinating more or less often, pain,
or unexplained weight loss or gain.
Tell your doctor if you have
had a fall, are feeling sad or have
thoughts of hurting yourself.
Bring a health history list
or a health journal with
you, and keep it up-to-
date. Always bring
any medicines you are
taking or a list of those
medicines. Talk about any
allergies or reactions you
have had to your medicines.
Tell your doctor about any
vitamins, supplements or herbal
products you use.
Bring any x-ray lms, test
results or medical records
you have.
Ask questions, and get
information.
Don’t be afraid
to speak up. If you don’t ask
questions, your doctor will think
you understand what he or she
You might want to bring a trusted
friend or family member along to
help you ask questions. is person
can also take notes for you.
Ask your doctor to explain your
health screening results, such as
blood pressure, blood sugar or
cholesterol. Ask about what you
can do to improve those results.
Ask your doctor to draw
pictures if that might help explain
something.
Ask your doctor if it’s OK to
tape-record your visit.
Let your doctor know if you
need more time to talk. If there is
no time that day, try to schedule
another appointment.
Take information home.
Ask for written instructions.
Your doctor may have brochures
and other educational materials
that can help you. If not, ask how
you can get such materials.
Once you leave the doctor’s
office, follow up.
If you have questions, call.
If your symptoms get worse or if
you have problems with any of your
medicines, call.
If you had tests and do not hear
from your doctor, call for your test
results.
If your doctor said you need
to have certain tests, make
appointments to get them done.
If your doctor said you
should see a specialist, make an
appointment.
Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; FamilyDoctor.org; Medline Plus;
National Institute on Aging
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family
health