Doctor-Patient Communication Quiz

You may see other doctors—specialists, for instance—who may have prescribed medication for a specific condition. It's a good idea to bring a list of all medications you are currently taking, or bring all the bottles in a bag to show your regular doctor.

Also, if you use a hearing aid, don't forget that, either. If you have a hard time seeing or hearing, tell your doctor that. Ask him or her to speak more slowly if you are having difficulty following the conversation.

If you think you might have trouble remembering what to ask the doctor, or remembering what the doctor tells you, bring a family member or close friend with you to the exam room. Tell the person ahead of time what you need to discuss with the doctor. Your friend can gently remind you about anything you forget to mention, and help you keep track of what the doctor recommends. If you don't bring someone with you, do write down any questions or concerns you have; if you have several, put them in order, with the most important at the top. And take notes during the office visit.

What happens in your life—the death of a close family member, a change in your living arrangements—can affect your health. A doctor who asks you about your personal life isn't being nosy, but is trying to make sure he or she knows about any major changes or stresses you may be facing. You don't need to give a lot of detail. It's enough to say, for example, I have had to sell my house and move in with my daughter.

Your doctor can't give you the best care if you don't say what's really going on. Also, don't hesitate to mention any symptoms that concern you. Although a physical exam and medical tests provide valuable information about you, it is the symptoms you report that help guide your doctor to the right tests. It's not a sign of weakness to talk about your symptoms.

Although it's true that your doctor is busy, you can't get the best care if you don't understand what he or she is telling you. If you keep silent, your doctor may think you don't have questions. Don't worry about sounding silly. Ask questions when you don't understand a medical term—aneurysm, for instance—or when you don't understand the instructions—when to take medicine with food, for instance.

Doctors often have brochures and pamphlets available, as well as cassette tapes and videotapes about certain medical conditions. Ask your doctor if he or she has printed instructions available, and ask for a list of resources—books, organizations, and government agencies—that can provide additional information.

Depression, memory problems, sexual function problems, and incontinence are not normal. Your doctor needs to know about any of these and discuss possible treatment with you. If your doctor doesn't seem concerned, you should look for another doctor.

While you're still healthy, talk with your doctor about advance directives. Examples of advance directives are a living will and durable power of attorney. They let you specify the type of care you want. An advance directive will speak for you, or allow designated family member to speak for you, when you are too ill to make decisions for yourself.