How To Talk To Your Doctor

Reviewed and Updated by Anastasia Iliou,

How To Talk To Your Doctor

Talking to doctors is harder for some people than others. Do you ever go to your yearly exam and forget to mention something that’s been bothering you? Do you ever find yourself struggling to answer your doctor’s questions about your health? Use this guide to prepare yourself for your next appointment!

Bring Notes

There is no shame in bringing notes about your health to your doctor’s appointment. In fact, it may create a higher interest level in your doctor. Though doctors should treat all patients equally, they are more likely to spend more time with you if you show that you care about your health. You may not need all of this information, but it’s better to be overprepared than underprepared!

How To Talk To Your Doctor | MedicarePlanFinder

Here’s what you should write down:

  • A list of all medications you’ve taken in the past few months, as well as how often you take them.
  • An idea of how often and how much you eat on a typical day as well as what your diet typically consists of and how much water you drink each day.
  • Your general sleeping habits.
  • Reminders to yourself of ANY health concerns you’ve had since your last doctor appointment.
  • If you have any symptoms, write down how they make you feel and anything that makes you feel better or worse.
  • Contact information for your other doctors.
  • Your family medical history (especially if you’re seeing a new doctor).

Additionally, bring your glasses or contacts and hearing aids, if you have them. Don’t forget to bring your Medicare card!

List Your Concerns

Your doctor likely has multiple patients waiting at any given moment, so make sure you list your biggest concerns at the forefront of your appointment, so you can be sure that they are addressed. Don’t assume that feeling tired or achy is normal.

Tell your doctor about ALL health concerns, so that you can get the most out of your appointment.

As your doctor addresses your concerns, take notes then, too! Don’t be afraid to write down what the doctor says. It’s easy to forget, especially if you’re talking about multiple concerns.

Ask Questions

Part of your doctor’s job is making sure that you know how to take care of yourself once you leave the office – so ask all the questions you have! For example, if a doctor tells you to take your medicine with food, does he mean before, after, or during your meal? No question is a stupid one. If you had the answers, you wouldn’t need the doctor. Ask about side effects of your medication, reasons for testing, etc.

The only thing your doctor may not have answers to is whether or not your insurance covers something – but that’s what we’re here for. If your doctor can’t answer those questions for you, give one of our agents a call at 1-844-431-1832.

Step 2. Find Plans With Confidence

Enter your zip code

Step 2. Find Plans With Confidence

Secure
Secure

Step 2. Find Plans With Confidence

Secure
Secure

I acknowledge and understand that by submitting my phone number and information and clicking “[SUBMIT],” such action constitutes a signed written agreement that I may be contacted by Outreach Medicare, LLC, via e-mails, SMS, phone calls and prerecorded messages at any phone number(s) that I provide, even if the number is a wireless number or on any federal or state do-not-call list, and I represent and warrant that I am the primary user and subscriber to any phone number I submit. I also agree that the above entity may contact me utilizing automated technology, including an autodialer. I also agree that I am not required to submit this form or agree to these terms as a condition to receive any property, goods, or services that may be offered, and that I may revoke my consent at any time using reasonable means, including by calling 800-531-3748 or emailing revokeconsent@medicarehealthbenefits.com.

I also agree that by submitting this Contact Request form, I am bound by Medicare Health Benefits, LLC Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Step 3. What is Your Preference?

When it comes to a monthly payment (your premium), which do you prefer?

One more thing! To personalize your quotes, please answer these questions.

Let's find a plan to fit you, in a few short steps.

Back to Top

Have questions about Medicare?

Call our team today and get your questions answered with no hassle and no obligation.
1-800-531-3748
close-link