Talking with Your Doctor

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider, ask these three questions to better understand your condition and how to take care of it:

1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?

From Ask Me 3

Learn more about talking with your doctor:

Talking with Your Doctor (MedlinePlus)
Tips from MedlinePlus on how to make the most out of a visit with your doctor, get a second opinion, as well as advice for teenagers, parents and seniors about communicating with your doctor.

Be an Active Member of Your Health Care Team (FDA)
Advice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about how to get the most benefit from your medicines while reducing the risks of taking them.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor before You Have Surgery (AHRQ)
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality lists questions to ask your doctor before you have non-emergency surgery including: why it is necessary, what alternatives there are to surgery and what risks that might result?