Consumer Health Resources: Healthcare Communication Tips

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Some helpful tips that you can do BEFORE a visit to your healthcare providers:

• Keep a "journal" or list of symptoms that you want to mention to your healthcare provider (when the pain started in your hip or a pattern of when headaches start/stop)
• Routinely ask for copies of visit summaries and test results
  • If you have access to MyChart, take advantage of it!
• Keep a binder of all medical information including medications, lab test results, visit summaries/diagnoses/treatments. Remember: Not all heathcare providers share electronic medical records or systematically exchange information
• Prior to a healthcare visit, create a list of questions that you want answered before the end of your visit. Make a copy of it to share with your healthcare provider so that you are both "on the same page" when discussing your concerns!
  • If you have a lot of questions, prioritize them (put a star by the ones that must be addressed before the visit ends)
• You should provide an updated MASTER list (including all medications--prescribed and over-the-counter-- vitamins, and supplements) to all of your healthcare providers and to every pharmacy that you utilize (local and mail-order). Clear communication and sharing will help prevent drug interactions or overdoses.When creating a medication/supplement list, it is important to not only include the medication name, dosage and how/when you take it, but to also include WHY you take the medicine (for what condition/disease).

• Bring:
  • List of questions
  • Current medication list
  • Updates from other healthcare professionals (your binder of medical documentation)
• Consider bringing a small audio recorder or use your phone to record your session for later referral/clarification
• Have a family member, friend, or other trusted individual accompany you to support you and be an "extra set of ears"
• Take notes, confirm spelling of conditions, diseases, treatments, and medications
• Don't be afraid to call the office back with additional questions and/or concerns
• When scheduling a visit (or a follow-up visit), request an "extended visit" to allow more time for discussion of your issues
• Remember that medicine-related questions can be directed to both healthcare providers AND pharmacists