Play an Active Role in Health Care Visits

It is easy to feel frustrated during a health care visit. According to a Harris poll commissioned by the American Academy of Physician Associates, 64% of respondents wished that their providers spent more time trying to understand them. Fortunately, there are steps you can take before and during your next medical appointment to get the most out of your time and help ensure your provider understands your needs:

1. Plan. You know you'll be asked about your medications and updates in your health history during the visit. Bring a list of your medications or even the medications themselves with you (especially when the dosages or names are confusing). Include lists of any supplements and/or vitamins you're taking as well. Ask family members for any of their health updates that might affect yours. Be ready to share any of these details when you check in or talk to your provider.
2. Prioritize. You have limited time, so bring up the most concerning and time-sensitive health concern first. You don't want to spend your visit talking about minor health issues, only to realize you've forgotten to ask about your biggest worry.
3. Write notes. Doctor's visits can be overwhelming. Taking notes can be helpful. You can also bring a friend or family member with you to help you recall what was discussed.
4. Ask awkward questions. Few of us want to talk about bowel movements or other such topics, but they can be important indicators of your wellbeing. Keep in mind that things that might make friends or family members squeamish won't make your provider even blink.
5. Request different wording as needed. A provider may slip into medical language you don't know or just explain things in a confusing manner. Ask, "Can you explain that more?" or say, "I'm a bit confused. Would you describe that in a different way?" Sometimes, tools like scales for pain and discomfort or finding comparisons for symptoms can help. The goal for both of you is understanding. The last thing a provider wants is for you to walk away unclear on what was said.
6. Advocate for yourself. You know your health history. If a provider suggests or prescribes something that makes you uncomfortable, explain why you feel that way. If your provider seems to be ignoring or dismissing your symptoms - which more than 50% of respondents reported experiencing in a 2022 MITRE-Harris poll - push back. Of course, it is not easy to contradict an authority figure. But remember that you may know parts of your medical history that they might not, especially if you haven't shared all your symptoms or have changed health systems. If you feel like your provider isn't listening to you or otherwise failing to meet your needs, consider switching to another one.
7. Repeat your next steps to your provider. Summarizing what you should do next aloud is helpful for you and the provider. It gives your provider a chance to correct or clarify, and it gives you the opportunity to double-check everything. In addition, some studies indicate that simply stating things to another person can help you remember them.

We have all walked out of appointments feeling more frustrated than helped. Make the most of your next medical appointment by preparing and speaking up for your needs.

Sonia Acevedo Espinoza, M.D., MSPH, Family Medicine Specialist at Eskenazi Health Center Grande