Best Ways to Get More Out of Your Doctor Visit

Before you go, write down everything on your mind, then pick the three or four that matter most. The NIA suggests naming them at the start of the visit and asking about the most important one first. Do not save the thing that really worries you for the last minute, when the doctor is reaching for the door.

• Write it down before you arrive
• Most important item first
• Name your list at the start

Put every bottle you take into one bag: prescriptions, over-the-counter pills such as aspirin or antacids, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Both AHRQ and the NIA recommend it. The labels show exact doses and who prescribed them, which a list from memory often misses. Tell the doctor about any side effects or problems you have had with a medicine in the past.

• Include vitamins and supplements
• Mention anything you stopped on your own
• Ask before stopping any prescribed medicine

"I've been tired lately" is hard to act on. "Since August 3, I've needed a nap most afternoons, and it's getting worse" is not. The NIA suggests describing when a symptom started, how often it happens, and whether it is getting better or worse. Note what you were doing, what you ate, and what helped.

• Start date
• How often and how long
• Better, worse or the same

If you check your blood pressure or blood sugar at home, bring the log or the meter itself, with dates and times. A week of home readings tells your doctor far more than the one number taken in the office, when you may be rushed or nervous. Write down anything unusual, such as a reading taken right after coffee or exercise.

• Include dates and times
• Bring the device if it stores readings
• Note skipped doses or unusual days

It is tempting to say what you think the doctor wants to hear about smoking, drinking, diet or skipped doses. The NIA points out that your doctor can only suggest the best treatment if you say what is really going on. AHRQ also suggests telling your doctor if you are worried you will not be able to follow the instructions, whether because of cost, side effects or a busy schedule.

• Mention cost worries
• Mention skipped doses
• Say if you feel rushed

Before you leave, say the plan back in your own words: "So I'll take the new pill in the morning, check my blood pressure twice a day, and come back in four weeks. Is that right?" The NIA recommends this kind of check, and it catches mix-ups while the doctor is still in the room. Ask for written instructions too. For medicine changes, our questions to ask about a new prescription can help.

• What is the plan?
• What should I watch for?
• When do I come back?

AHRQ suggests asking how a test is done, how it will feel, what you need to do to get ready, and how you will get the results. Ask whether you need to fast. When results come back, ask what they mean for you and what, if anything, you should do. Our guide to understanding your lab results explains the common numbers.

• Do I need to fast?
• When will results be ready?
• Will you call, or should I check?

A family member or friend can remind you what you meant to ask and take notes while you listen. The NIA suggests telling them ahead of time what you want from the visit, and keeping the conversation between you and the doctor. You can ask for a few minutes alone with the doctor for private topics.

• Share your list with them first
• Let them take notes
• Ask for private time if you need it

Bring your glasses and wear a working hearing aid. Tell the staff if you have trouble seeing or hearing. If English is not your first language, ask for an interpreter. Elon Health Primary Care's nondiscrimination notice offers free language services and qualified interpreters, and the site has a Spanish section.

• Glasses and hearing aids
• Ask the doctor to face you and slow down
• Free interpreter services on request

Ask how the office shares results and messages, whether by phone or a patient portal, and set up access before you leave. If you are unsure about instructions once you get home, call. AHRQ advises calling the office to get your test results rather than waiting, and calling if symptoms get worse or you have trouble following the plan.

• Set up portal access if offered
• Call if you haven't heard about results
• Call if symptoms get worse