Quality and Safety

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How to Be More Involved in Your Health

Before Your Appointment

• Bring your medications to the visit or a list that includes prescriptions, non-prescriptions, herbal supplements, and vitamins
• Bring information on your current medical conditions, past surgeries, or illnesses
• Write down your questions for your provider

During Your Appointment

• Explain your symptoms, health history, and any prior problems you have had with your medication
• Ask questions so that you understand what your healthcare provider is saying
• Let your provider know if you do not feel you can follow any of the care recommendations
• If you need a test, ask: How is the test done? How will it feel? What do I need to do to get ready for it? How will I get the results?
• If you need a prescription, tell your provider if you are pregnant, nursing, have had prior reactions to medicines, or take vitamins or herbal supplements
• Ask for written instruction, brochures, videos, and/or websites

After Your Appointment

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions
• If you can’t follow the instructions or do not understand them, call your provider for clarification
• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you stop taking any medicines that your provider prescribed
• Call your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen
• Call your provider if you had labs or other tests and haven’t received your results
• Schedule follow-up appointments that your doctor might recommend

Other Tips

• Ask someone to join you at your visit to remind you to ask your questions and remember what was said
• Take notes
• Know your family health history, such as your parents’ health conditions
• Ask questions
• Let us know about your health concerns
• Give us updates on any medications you are taking
• Tell us when you see other healthcare providers
• Work with us to develop a plan that works best for you
• Tell us when you do not understand something
• Ask for information on how to stay healthy
• Do your best to keep scheduled appointments or reschedule as soon as possible
• Offer your feedback about how to improve our care