We want you get the most out of your appointments and help you become an active participant on your health journey. Research has shown that patients who are actively engaged in their healthcare tend to be happier with their care and have better medical outcomes.
Here are some tips on how you can get the most out of your healthcare team:
Before your appointment
- Make a list of prescription and non-prescription (such as aspirin or antacids) medicine, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements that you’re currently taking.
- Write down any questions you’d like to ask members of your care team.
- Know your current medical conditions, past surgeries and illnesses.
During your appointment
- Explain your symptoms, health history and any problems with medicines you’ve taken in the past.
- Ask questions to make sure you understand what your care team is telling you.
- Let your doctor know if you are worried about being able to follow your care plan.
- If your care team recommends a treatment, ask about your options.
- If you need a test, ask:
- How is the test done?
- How will it make me feel?
- What will I need to do to get ready for the test?
- How long will it take?
- How long will it take to receive the results?
- Is there a patient portal where I can get the results faster?
- If you need a prescription, let your doctor know if you are pregnant, nursing, have reactions to medicines, or are taking vitamins or herbal supplements.
- Find out what to do next. Ask for:
- Written instructions
- Videos
- Websites or any additional resources
After your appointment
- Always follow the instructions from your care team.
- If you don’t understand your instructions after you get home, call your care team.
- Talk with your care team or pharmacist before you stop taking any medicines your doctor prescribed.
- Call your care team if your symptoms get worse or if you have any issues following the instructions.
- Make appointments to have tests done or see a specialist if you need to.
- Call your care team to get your test results or use a patient portal, if available. Ask them what you should do about the results.