Tips for Communicating With Your Physician

It is important to communicate your feelings, questions, and concerns with your physician prior to having surgery. The following suggestions may help to improve communication between you and your physician:

• If you do not understand your physician's responses, ask questions until you do.
• Take notes, or ask a family member or friend to accompany you and take notes for you. You can also bring a tape recorder, so you can review information later.
• Ask your physician to write down his/her instructions, if necessary.
• Ask your physician where you can find printed material about your condition. Many physicians have this information in their offices.
• If you still have questions, ask the physician where you can go for more information.