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

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Questions & Answers
My doctor is always in a
hurry. How can I get him
to listen?
Doctors are often in a hurry.
If you don’t feel that your
doctor is listening, repeat
your questions. Ask him
to explain his answers. If
you still feel that he does
not listen, you may want to
change doctors.
How do I know what to
tell my doctor? I don’t
know which symptoms
are important.
Tell your doctor all of your
symptoms and concerns—
what hurts, where it hurts,
when it hurts. And ask
all your questions: “Should
I be worried?” “What
should I do?”
things you can do
When You Make an Appointment
Ask how long you will have to wait after you
check in.
Ask if you need to do anything to prepare for
your visit.
Ask for a longer appointment if you need one.
Ask for an interpreter if you need one. See
page 32.
If this is your first visit, ask how to get to the
office and where to park.
If you do not drive, ask if there is a van or
shuttle service.
If you have a disability, ask about access. See
page 30.
How to Reach Your Doctor Between Visits
Call, fax, or e-mail your doctor’s office.
Leave your name and phone number, your HMO
membership number, and the best times to call
you back.
Explain briefly what you are calling about.
Ask who will get back to you—your doctor, a
nurse, or someone else.
If your doctor’s office doesn’t return your calls,
call your HMO. The phone number is on your
membership card.
where to find help
Office of the Patient Advocate
Print a Health Worksheet, “Make the Most of
Doctor Visits”
www.opa.ca.gov