Talking to Your Doctor

It is very important for your health that you know how to talk with your doctor and other health care people.

Here are some tips and tools:
  • Before you go, practice what you want to talk to the doctor about.
  • Bring your personal health notebook, a list of the medications you take, and anything else you think will help your doctor understand how to best talk with you.
  • Ask questions during the visit to make sure you understand.
  • Ask the doctor for written directions for what to do after the visit.
  • Take a family member or staff person to the office visit with you to help if you need it.
Picture


This is a document you can download and print to take to the doctor's office with you.
Source: www.temple.edu/instituteondisabilities/aacvocabulary/e4all/EprepPictureAid.pdf
Print this short booklet to use to get ready for office visits and to use during the visit. Visit the source of this book by clicking here.
This is a 4-page document you can fill out and use so that new doctors know more about you.
Listen to self-advocates with I/DD share what is important to them when working with a health care provider.
This doctor is leading the charge in encouraging better communication between patients
and clinicians.
Available at: http://www.ahrq.gov/patients-consumers/patient-involvement/ask-your-doctor/videos/clinician02/index.html

This is a 2-sided page with pictures to help communicate with health care providers.