Better health starts with better questions

Healthcare can be confusing. Sometimes, medical visits can feel rushed or overwhelming. You might hear words you’ve never heard before, get a lot of new information at once or leave the appointment not sure about what happens next.

One of the best things you can do is ask your provider questions. It will help them create a care plan that works for you, and it will help you understand your health better.

3 things every patient deserves

During any healthcare appointment, you should receive:

• The time to ask questions about your health
• Answers that you can understand, without lots of medical terms
• A written description of what you discussed during your visit

If you’re feeling unsure about asking questions, you’re not alone. Many people feel like medical visits move quickly or worry their provider may not have enough time for them. That can make it hard to speak up in the moment. That’s why we’ve created the Know Your Care guide. It can help you use your time with your provider in a meaningful way.

Bring the guide to your visit, choose the questions that matter most to you, and use them to ask for clear instructions, next steps and information you can understand.

Why asking questions matters

If you’re wondering about it, it’s worth asking. Understanding your care can help you:

• Feel more confident about your health decisions
• Know what steps to take next
• Better understand medications and treatments
• Avoid confusion about follow-up visits or tests
• Reduce stress about unexpected healthcare costs

Sometimes, people wait until they get home to search online for answers or wait to see what shows up on a bill. But asking questions during your visit can help you get clear information right away. And it’s okay to ask your provider to slow down or explain something again.

Keep in mind: Speaking up is a sign of strength. It shows you’re taking charge of your health.

5 questions to get you started

You don’t need to remember everything during an appointment. Even asking one or two of these questions and writing down what you hear can make a big difference.

Try it out! Download or print the Know Your Care guide and use it as a guide during your visit. It will help you advocate for yourself by clarifying instructions and reducing confusion.

So you can arrive feeling more prepared and leave feeling more informed.

Struggling to understand? Try asking these:

“Can you explain that to me again, but using plain language?”

“Can you please slow down so that I can take notes?”

“Can you give me this information in writing to take home?”

Asking for information in plain language is a sign of strength. It shows you’re taking charge of your health.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
Health Plans provided by Moda Health Plan, Inc.