You may not be able to read your doctor's handwriting on your prescription. That's okay, as long as the pharmacist can read it. But it is important for you to understand what your doctor says during your office visits. For example:

• Your doctor told you how to take a new medicine. Did you understand the instructions?
• You're scheduled for a test. Do you know how to prepare for it?
• You have a problem with your cholesterol. Did you understand when your doctor explained what it is and why it's important?

If you're like many people, the answer is "not really."

Health care today is complex, and you are expected to be more involved in your own care. If you don't understand what you're supposed to do or why you're supposed to do it, your health could suffer.

Your doctor is an expert on health and disease. You're the expert on you. To get the best care, you will need to partner with your doctor. That means giving your doctor the information he or she needs to help you and making sure you know what's expected of you. The following tips can help. 

Prepare for your office visit
Before you go see your doctor:

• Write down your questions and concerns.
• Keep a diary of your symptoms. Note any changes in your weight or energy level.
• List any past treatments you've tried for this problem.
• Make a list of all the medicines you take, or put them in a bag and bring them to your office visit. Be sure to include any over-the-counter medicines, herbs or vitamins you take.

Communicate with your doctor
During your office visit:

• Share your notes with your doctor. Describe your symptoms and discuss your concerns.
• Ask questions. If you don't understand something your doctor says, don't be afraid to ask him or her to explain.
• Ask your doctor to check your medicines.
• Take notes. This will help you remember what the doctor says. Or bring a friend or relative along to take notes for you.
• Be honest. If you aren't taking your medicine because it makes you feel bad or it costs too much, say so. To help you, your doctor needs to know the truth.

Questions to ask your doctor
If your doctor prescribes a medication, ask:

• What is it for? What does it do?
• How do I take it? (For example, with food or with water only?)
• What side effects should I watch for?
• What should I do if I miss a dose?
• How long will I need to take it?
• Is there a cheaper medicine that might work as well?

If your doctor wants you to have a test, ask:

• Why do I need this test?
• Does it have any risks?
• When will I get the results?
• How is the test done?
• How do I prepare for the test?
• Who will do the test?
• Will someone need to drive me home or will I be able to drive?

If your doctor wants you to have surgery, ask:

• Why do I need this surgery?
• What are the risks and benefits?
• Who will do the surgery?
• Will I need to stay in the hospital? If so, for how long?
• How long will it take to recover?
• Do I have other treatment options?

Related Articles 14 Tips to Make Your Doctor Visits a Success Choosing a Doctor

External Sources Agency for Healthcare Research and Policy. Be prepared for medical appointments. . Accessed May 07, 2008 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Five steps to safer health care. . Accessed May 07, 2008 American Academy of Family Physicians. Tips for talking to your doctor. . Accessed May 07, 2008

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.