General information to help you prepare for a conversation with your clinician.
At home, you know what you want to ask. In the appointment, you’re explaining what hurts, following an unfamiliar scan and trying to remember what the next few weeks might look like. The question about work can disappear somewhere along the way.
If you’d like support, consider asking someone you trust to come with you. AHRQ suggests that a relative or friend can help ask questions, take notes and remember what was discussed after the visit.
Give them a small job before you go
You might say, “Please make sure I ask about driving,” or “Can you write down who I’m supposed to call?” That gives them a way to help while leaving you room to explain things in your own words.
Share the two or three questions that matter most to you. You don’t have to rehearse the whole appointment.
Keep the conversation yours
A companion can notice a missed question or ask for an explanation. You can also tell them when you’d like to answer for yourself. If there’s something you want to discuss privately with the clinician, you can ask for that time.
Before leaving, try saying the plan back: “So I’m arranging this appointment, your office is sending that referral, and I call this number if I haven’t heard?” It gives everyone a chance to clear up a misunderstanding while you’re still there.
If you’re going on your own
You can bring the questions on paper or your phone. Ask for written instructions and the right contact for questions afterward. If you want someone to join by phone or video, check with the office beforehand about what’s possible. Ask permission before recording a conversation.
Going alone shouldn’t mean you have to memorize every word.
Compare notes while it’s fresh
If someone came with you, take a moment afterward to compare what each of you understood. If the two versions differ, write down the question and contact the office. You can ask for the plan to be explained again.
What would you want the person coming with you to help remember?
What did we miss?
Suggest a question for a future post. Keep it general; please don’t email scans or personal medical information.
Sources
AHRQ: Include family and friends