A Healthy You Takes Two
Team Up with — and Talk to — Your Doctor
Your relationship with your doctor, and how well you communicate with each other, can affect your care.
You and your doctor work together as a team to address medical problems and keep you healthy. Research shows that patients who have a strong relationship with their doctors and other health care professionals tend to be healthier and more satisfied with their health care.
Whether your next appointment is online or in-person, here are some tips to help you build your relationship with your doctor:
Before your appointment
- Collect important medical information, such as test results and a list of medicines you’re taking: prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements.
- Write down any questions about changes in your routine (for example, diet, exercise or activity, sleeping patterns, etc.) that concern you.
- If you think you may not understand or remember what your doctor tells you, ask a family member or friend to join you.
During your appointment
- Discuss any symptoms you may have and go over your list of questions or concerns.
- Make sure you understand what your doctor is telling you. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
- Schedule a follow-up appointment if your doctor asks you to.
After your appointment
- Follow up to get test results.
- Update your medical history with any new medications or changes in dosage.
- Monitor symptoms that occur after any changes in treatment or medications.
