Making the most of your doctor visits

When it comes to your health, you can’t afford to stand on the sidelines. It’s important to be an active part of your healthcare team by talking with your doctor about important ways to improve your quality of life.

In the past, the doctor typically took the lead and the patient followed. Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is more of a partnership. One of the most important elements of a good partnership is communication. This may mean asking questions, bringing up problems, and letting your doctor know if you have concerns about something.

The bottom line: When you and your doctor work as a team, you are more likely to achieve better health outcomes.¹

Tips for making the most of your time with your doctor

• Prepare for your visit. List your concerns in order of priority and prepare a list of questions beforehand. Bring everything you may need, like your medications, medical records and insurance cards.
• Be honest. You may be tempted to say what your doctor wants to hear, but this isn’t in your best interest. Your doctor can help you more if you say what is really going on. It’s important to talk to your doctor about sensitive subjects, even if you’re embarrassed or uncomfortable. These topics may include memory loss, depression, fear of falling, bladder control, sexuality, and family problems.
• Choose which are most important. Pick three or four questions or concerns that you most want to talk about with your doctor. Remember, your doctor may not be able to answer all your questions. Even the best doctor may be unable to answer some questions.
• Stick to the point. Keep in mind that each patient is given a limited amount of time with the doctor, so be as concise as possible. For example, share a brief description of your symptom, when it started, how often it happens, and if it is getting better or worse.
• Ask about anything that seems unclear. Ask questions like: “I want to make sure I understand. Could you explain that a little more?”
• Take notes. Write down the main points or ask your doctor to write them down for you. With your doctor’s permission, you may also wish to record what is said.
• Get some extra material. Ask your doctor if they have any brochures, DVDs or other materials about your health conditions or treatments. You can also ask if your doctor recommends any other sources (e.g. websites or nonprofit organizations).
• Talk to other members of your healthcare team. Nurses, pharmacists, physician assistants or physical therapists may be able to take more time with you than a doctor.

You’re in control

You are the one who makes decisions about your care, so it’s important to be hands-on with your health.²

Over time, the relationship you develop with your doctor will make it more and more comfortable for you to share more with them.

To make decisions with your doctor, you should:

• Continually build a positive relationship with your healthcare team.
• Find out about different treatment options, including the pros and cons for each one.
• Learn about prevention—and follow your doctor’s advice to help improve your health.
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• Interested in learning more? Visit www.HumanaNeighborhoodCenter.com to register for live and on-demand health education classes.

This is for informational purposes only and does not replace treatment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you have questions, please talk with your doctor. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program or making any changes to your diet.

Sources

1. “How to Choose a Doctor You Can Talk To”, National Institute on Aging, Last accessed May 13, 2025,https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/medical-care-and-appointments/how-choose-doctor-you-can-talk.
2. “A Guide for Older Adults: Talking with Your Doctor”, National Institute on Aging, Last accessed May 13, 2025, https://order.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2017-07/TWYD_508.pdf. 

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