

* This is the Consumer Version. *

Making the Most of a Health Care Visit

by Michael R. Wasserman, MD

Preparing for a health care visit helps people get the most out of time spent with a doctor or another health care practitioner. Preparing ahead also helps people communicate with a practitioner more effectively. Information and questions for the practitioner should be written down before the visit.

First visit

The first time people visit their primary care doctor, they should ask any of the questions that are relevant to choosing a doctor and that they have not asked or need to ask again (see ). In addition, several other questions may be helpful:

  • How are sudden urgent health problems that occur at night or during weekends handled?

  • How are test results obtained? (For example, where to call or e-mail if the person is responsible for asking for these results.)

  • Why should I have an advance directive (such as a living will or a durable power of attorney agreement—see Advance Directives : Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care)? How do I go about preparing one?





  • Information about any diagnostic tests and treatments already planned



Subsequent visits


  • Any health-related questions

  • Any symptoms or medical problems, including mental health problems

  • Any side effects experienced while taking drugs




Lists should be written down. During a busy office visit, people can easily forget what they want to say. The list should also be prioritized, with the most important items listed first. Symptoms should be described as accurately and precisely as possible, being careful not to minimize or exaggerate them. Reading about or talking with someone who has had a disorder or a recommended diagnostic test or treatment before a visit may enable people to ask more specific, useful questions.





  • How will the test results change treatment?

  • What are the possible side effects?

  • What other choices are available?

  • What are the specific goals for the treatment?

  • How will the response to treatment be followed or monitored?

  • Any other questions they have about the treatment or test

People should request an explanation of anything that is not understood and ask for a patient education sheet or handout on the subject if available. Asking the doctor to write out instructions and reading them back to the doctor at the end of the visit help make sure the instructions are understood. Reading them back gives the doctor the opportunity to correct any miscommunication. Taking notes during a visit may also help. For people who cannot use written materials or who have problems with vision, speech, or hearing, other approaches may be needed to keep track of the information. For example, the instructions may be recorded on tape, or a family member or friend may agree to read the instructions when needed. When people go to the pharmacy for drugs, they can use the same approaches.


After the visit, any recommended follow-up appointments should be scheduled. Any prescriptions should be filled, and any written materials provided by the doctor or pharmacist should be read. Also, people may want to consider keeping a diary of important aspects of their care. For example, a person with constant headaches may want to record when headaches occur, what triggers them, and how they respond to drugs.