Your appointment is your time. Make it count.
Medical appointments can be overwhelming. You wait for weeks, then get 15 minutes with the person who holds the keys to your care. It’s not enough — but there are ways to make the most of it.
Here’s a guide, built from the collective experience of BHASNet members, on how to talk to your doctor so you actually get what you need.
1. Go in with a plan
Write down your questions before the appointment. Prioritize them. Start with the most important one.
Bring a list of your symptoms — when they happen, how long they last, what makes them better or worse. Specifics help doctors help you.
2. Bring someone with you
Two sets of ears are better than one. If you can, bring a family member, friend, or caregiver. They can take notes, ask questions you might forget, and remember things you might miss.
3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you don’t understand something, say so. If you’re not sure what a word means, ask. This is your health, your life. You have the right to understand what’s being said.
Good questions to ask:
- “Can you explain that in plain language?”
- “What are the risks and benefits of this treatment?”
- “What happens if we do nothing?”
- “Are there other options we haven’t talked about?”
4. Advocate for your pain
Pain is real. It’s not “all in your head.” If your doctor isn’t taking your pain seriously, say so. You are the expert on your own experience.
What the community says: “I told my doctor, ‘I can’t live like this. I’m not asking for more pills — I’m asking you to help me figure this out.’ Something shifted after that.”
5. Bring a list of your medications
Include over-the-counter stuff, supplements, and anything else you take. It’s surprising how often this gets missed, and it can change the whole conversation.
6. Take notes
Bring a notebook. Write things down. Or record the conversation on your phone (ask permission first). It’s hard to remember everything when you’re in the moment.
7. Don’t leave without a next step
Before you walk out of the room, know what’s happening next — a follow-up appointment, a referral, a test, or simply “call us if things get worse.”
— BHASNet Community