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About IDPH

Be Informed and Involved In Your Care

For patients, families, & caregivers

Taking an active role in your health care can help you feel more confident and can improve communication with your healthcare team. Being prepared before, during, and after your appointment helps ensure you understand your care and can make informed decisions.

Getting ready for your healthcare visit

Being prepared helps you use your time well, ask the right questions, and understand next steps.

Learn how to prepare before, during, and after your visit, including what information to bring, questions to ask, and how to follow up on next steps.

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Preparing ahead of time helps you make the most of your visit.

  • Make a list of your questions or concerns. Start with what matters most to you.

                You may want to ask about:

                    Medicines you are taking or starting

                    Tests or procedures

                    Treatment options and next steps

  • Bring a current list of all medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
  • Know your health history, including medical conditions, past surgeries, allergies, and recent hospital visits.
  • Consider bringing a trusted family member or friend to help listen, take notes, or ask questions.
  • Think about your goals for the visit and what you hope to learn or decide.

Clear communication helps you and your provider stay on the same page.

  • Share your symptoms, concerns, and any changes in how you feel.
  • Ask questions if something is unclear. It is okay to ask for information to be repeated or explained in a different way.
  • If a test or treatment is recommended, ask about your options and what to expect.
  • Speak up if you are worried about following instructions, taking a medication, or managing care at home.
  • Ask what the next steps are and when you should expect results or follow-up.

Following up helps you stay informed and avoid confusion.

  • Review any instructions you received and keep them in a place you can find easily.
  • Take medicines as directed and talk with your provider or pharmacist before stopping any medication.
  • Call your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen or if you have questions after you get home.
  • Schedule any follow-up appointments, tests, or referrals.
  • Ask how and when you will receive test results and what to do once you have them.

What are my options?

What should I do next?

Who should I contact if I have questions?

Resource:

Be More Engaged in Your Healthcare | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Talk with your healthcare provider

Clear communication helps you and your healthcare provider make decisions together and reduces the chance of confusion or mistakes.

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  • Tell your provider about your symptoms, concerns, and how you are feeling.
  • Share changes in your health, new medicines, or side effects.
  • Let your provider know what is most important to you for this visit.

  • Ask questions if something is unclear or does not make sense.
  • It is okay to ask for information to be repeated or explained in a different way.
  • Ask about your options for tests or treatments, including benefits and risks.

  • Repeat back key instructions in your own words to make sure you understand.
  • Ask what to do next and when to follow up.
  • Find out who to contact if questions come up later.

  • Consider bringing a family member or friend to help listen, take notes, or ask questions.

Resource:

Choosing Wisely: An Initiative of the ABIM Foundation  

Speak Up: About Your Care | Joint Commission

Help prevent medical errors

You play an important role in helping make care safer. Simple steps can reduce the risk of errors before, during, and after care.

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  • Keep an up-to-date list of all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.
  • Share allergies, past reactions, and medical history with your care team.
  • Bring your medication list to every appointment.

  • Know the purpose of your medicines, tests, and treatments.
  • Ask what to expect and what signs or symptoms to watch for.
  • Make sure instructions match what you heard and understood.

  • Say something if something does not seem right or does not match what you were told.
  • Ask questions if instructions are unclear or feel unsafe.
  • Let your provider know if you are concerned about following instructions at home.

  • Take medicines as directed and check with a provider or pharmacist before stopping any medication.
  • Schedule recommended follow-up visits or tests.
  • Ask how and when you will receive test results and what to do with them.

Resource:

20 Tips To Help Prevent Medical Errors: Patient Fact Sheet | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality