In the past, doctors typically took the lead and the patient followed. Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is more of a partnership.

When you’re older, it becomes even more important to talk comfortably with your doctor. That’s partly because you may have more health conditions and treatments to discuss. Health has a big impact on your quality of life.

Ask questions if the doctor’s explanations are unclear, bring up problems even if the doctor doesn’t ask, and let the doctor know if you have concerns about a particular treatment or change in your daily life. Taking an active role in your health care puts the responsibility for good communication on both you and your doctor.

Learn about Medical Tests 
Running tests help your doctor find out what is wrong or learn more about your medical condition.

• Why is this test being done?
• Are there any dangers or side effects?
• What will we know after the test?

Discuss Your Diagnosis
If you understand your medical condition, you can make better decisions about treatment.

• How is this condition treated and managed?
• What will be the long-term effects on my life?
• How can I learn more? 

Find Out about Your Medications
Sometimes medications affect older adults differently than younger people.

• What side effects should I pay attention to?
• When will the medicine begin to work?
• Are there foods or activities to avoid when taking this medicine? 

Understand Prescriptions
Doctors and pharmacies can use abbreviations that may not be familiar. Here is a list of common abbreviations.

Asking questions fosters good communication with your doctor. Don’t wait for the doctor to raise a specific question or subject because he or she may not know it’s important to you. Be proactive.