Let’s talk.

Good health care starts with good communication, and we encourage you to ask questions and let us know about your concerns.

Ask

Before you meet with your doctor or health-care provider, it may be helpful to write down all of the questions you want to ask. Feel free to ask lots of questions until you feel like you understand everything. Consider questions such as:

  • What is my main problem?

  • What treatments will be recommended for my condition?

  • What new medications, if any, will I be prescribed? What is the dosage? How long might I have to take them?

  • What do I need to do?
  • Why is it important?
  • What are my alternatives?

If you are given medications, please feel free to ask questions of your care team, such as:

  • How will these medications help me?
  • What are the possible side effects?
  • How and when should I take this medicine?

Listen

  • Please don’t be shy. If you don’t understand something or if you miss anything, ask for it to be repeated or explained until you feel that you do understand.
  • If you feel like you’re getting a lot of information at once, ask a friend or family member to be with you when you talk to your health-care team. They can help listen and write down any important information for you.
  • Bring a notebook to the hospital so you can write notes to refer back to at a later time.

Talk

  • Make sure your health-care team knows about any symptoms you may have.
  • Make sure your doctor knows your health and family history.
  • Make your requests and wishes known to your health-care team. (Example - Please do not make changes to my medications without consulting me.)
  • If something doesn’t seem right, it’s important you tell a member of your health-care team.
  • It’s our responsibility to help protect your privacy. If you have specific information that you don’t wish shared, please let a member of your care team know.