HMO Guide for Seniors - Office of the Patient Advocate - State of ...

24
Talking with Your Doctor
T
o get good health care, you must be able to talk freely with your
doctor. Be as open as you can—the more your doctor knows about
you, the better care she can give you. And let your doctor know if
you don’t understand what she says. Keep asking questions until
you are sure you understand.
Make the Most of Your Doctor Visits
Brenda helped
her brother ask
all his questions.
“We asked his
doctor to explain
the lab tests in
plain English.”
Most doctor visits are short. Plan ahead so you can cover everything.
You can print a Health Worksheet, “Make the Most of Doctor Visits,” at
www.opa.ca.gov.
Bring a list of your questions and concerns.
Bring a list of your prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Bring someone to help listen and take notes.
Ask the doctor to explain things in simple terms.
Ask your doctor to write down your diagnosis and treatments.
Ask about shots, routine tests, and screenings you should have.
Get slips for lab or screening tests, prescriptions, and referrals.
If you have a lot to talk about, ask for another visit.
Check with your doctor when these things happen. Make sure she has
your latest records. Tell her any new medicine you have been prescribed:
When you get a new doctor.
When you’ve been to the emergency
room.
When you have been discharged from
the hospital.
When you have seen a specialist.
When you have received care outside
your HMO.
When you have received care while
you are traveling.
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