Make the Most of Your Doctor's Visit

As a health care consumer, you have the right to receive information that is accurate and presented in a way that you can understand. You also have the right to take part in decisions about your health care with your doctor or other health care provider. Below are tips on how to make the most of your doctor's visit.

Prepare

• Make a list of questions and concerns to discuss. Bring paper and pen to make notes. 
• Make a list of current medicines or bring the bottles. Include over the counter medicines (like aspirin), prescription medicines and dietary supplements (such as vitamins, minerals, or herbs).
• Know your medical history, especially if this is your first visit. Include past and current medical conditions, procedures, including surgeries and complementary/alternative treatments.
• Bring your personal information, if this is your first visit or if your information has changed. Include:
  
  
  • Your emergency contacts
  • Employer's address and phone numbers
  • Your insurance card(s)
  • Family medical history
  • Name and address of your previous doctor(s)
    Click here to begin your list.

Ask Questions

• Some medical tests, treatments, and procedures may provide little benefit. In some cases, they may even cause harm. Talk to your doctor to make sure you end up with the right amount of care - not too much and not too little.
  
  
• Use these 5 questions to talk to your doctor about which tests, treatments, and procedures you need - and which you don’t need.
  

  You can download and print this list in letter or wallet card sizes in English and Spanish.

  5 QUESTIONS to Ask Your Doctor Before You Get Any Test, Treatment, or Procedure

  1. Do I really need this test or procedure?
     Medical tests help you and your doctor or other health care provider decide how to treat a problem. And, medical procedures help to actually treat it.
     
     
  2. What are the risks?
     Will there be side effects? What are the chances of getting results that aren’t accurate? Could that lead to more testing or another procedure?
     
     
  3. Are there simpler, safer options?
     Ask if it is worth trying lifestyle changes, such as eating healthier foods or exercising more before starting treatment.
     
     
  4. What happens if I don’t do anything?
     Ask if your condition might get worse — or better — if you don’t have the test or procedure right away.
     
     
  5. How much does it cost?
     Ask if there are less-expensive tests, treatments or procedures, what your insurance may cover, and about generic drugs instead of brand-name drugs.
     
     

Know Your Rights as a Health Consumer

• Receive basic health information and services in your language to help you make good health decisions.
• Communicate with your health care provider and take part in decisions about your treatment.
• A fair and efficient process for resolving differences with your health care providers, health plans, and institutions, like hospitals.
• Privacy; including protection of your health care information.
• View, and get a copy of, your health information.
  • This infographic explains your rights to access your health information and tips on how to protect your information.
  • Learn more about your rights under HIPAA (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) to protect and access your health information. Resources are available in multiple languages.

Confidential Health Care for Youth

• In California, young people can access STD and HIV testing and treatment, birth control, including emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, prenatal care, abortion services and mental health services without permission from a parent or guardian.
• The clinic or doctor can't tell your parents or guardians that you got these services without your consent. It’s the law! But there are important considerations;
  • If you are covered under your parent or spouse’s health insurance plan, your health information will not be kept private unless you submit a Confidential Communications Request to your plan. More information is available on this request form.
  • Your provider may be required to share your personal health information with others outside of the care team in some situations. Examples include if the provider thinks you are putting yourself or someone else in danger, or if there is a large age difference between you and someone you are having sex with. Ask your doctor for more information.
• For more information about young people’s rights and confidentiality in California visit teensource.org.