Checkup

How to Talk to Your Doctor

A checklist to help you get the most out of your visit

Patients who can clearly communicate their needs get more out of the time with their doctor.

Making the most of the time you have with your doctor can mean the difference between a productive visit and a frustrating one — for both of you.

Mayo Clinic primary care specialist Dr. Keels Jorn says that even though many doctors take courses in doctor-patient communication to better relate with their patients, part of the success of a productive appointment lies within the patient's ability to clearly communicate his or her needs.

"Physicians go into medicine because they want to help people," Jorn says. "When patients go to their appointments ready to communicate openly and knowledgeably with their doctors, they are helping their doctors do just that and leave feeling more satisfied."

To get the most out of your next visit to the doctor, Jorn suggests:

• Bring up the greatest concerns FIRST. Don't wait until the end of the appointment to talk about the biggest problem, because it may have the most bearing on your health status or treatment course.
• Be knowledgable about your health condition. Understanding an illness, what it does and how treatments work will help you ask more informed and to-the-point questions.
• Make a list, but keep it brief. It helps to write down issues to discuss with your doctor, but it's most effective if the list is prioritized and short.
• Be aware of the time constraints. It's acceptable to ask physicians up front how much time they have to spend with you so the time can be better prioritized. Doctors are pleased to know that you're aware of their busy schedules and want to make the most of your visit.
• Realize that simple questions don't always have simple answers. Although some questions seem easy, the answers may be complicated and may even require additional testing.

Jorn adds that it's also a good idea to find out the doctor's preferred way for patients to communicate with the doctor's office, whether it be via phone, letter, fax or e-mail. Also, understanding the office's method of communicating test results helps patients get the answers they need faster.

"Physicians are happiest when they feel they've not only met their patient's medical needs but emotional ones, too," says Jorn.

To request an appointment at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, call (904) 953-0853 or complete our online appointment request form: