Tips for Communicating Effectively with your Healthcare Provider

• Find the right people for your healthcare team - those that want to help you, respect your involvement in your healthcare, and expect you to communicate with them.
• Be accountable for your role in your healthcare.
• Be prepared for your appointment - Outline your reasons for being there.
• Keep a notebook on your health history and medications.
• Don't talk when your healthcare provider is answering your questions.
• When you want an explanation, try to word your questions so they require more than a yes or no answer.
• Remember your healthcare provider may see 20+ patients everyday. Don't assume they remember your complaint from 3 months ago, or even last week.
• Evaluate and report to your therapist or physician on the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Discuss how your treatment plan improves or prohibits functioning.
• Expect changes in your treatment plan.
• If your agenda is exhaustive, don't expect to cover all your questions in one visit. Prioritize and reschedule another appointment as necessary.
• Be prepared to paint a picture with words regarding your pain, fatigue, and function.
• Develop a rapport with assistive staff members.
• If you feel your healthcare team members are non-communicative, find ones who are.

* (more information on effective communication and proper documentation can be found in the book)