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Sometimes it seems like doctors are speaking a completely foreign language. It can be tough to keep your eyes from glazing over while you nod and wonder if you'll ever remember to look up that four-syllable word they just used. And when it comes to surgery, sometimes modern techniques involve baffling things like incision points far from the ailing organ.

Before your visit
  • Research your medical concerns before you arrive so you'll be familiar with some of the jargon your doctor may use, and so you can know how to frame your questions.
  • Make a list of all medicines you take, along with the dosages for each one. Remember to include vitamins and alternative remedies such as herbs.
  • Make a list of the symptoms you're experiencing that lead you to make the appointment. Include details like how long you've been experiencing the symptoms, and why it has you worried.
  • Be familiar enough with your family's medical history that you can answer basic questions about what your close relatives have experienced with their health - what kind of cancer, for instance, that your mother had, and if your sister has type I or type II diabetes.

During your appointment
  • Don't be afraid to speak up with concerns or questions. Tell the doctor you brought a list with you and even show it to them if you get tongue-tied. Communication is key to getting the health care you need.
  • Don't be embarrassed about what your body is doing that you don't understand. Doctors need as much information as you can give them, and aren't mind readers. If you've got a symptom you don't like to talk about, start out by telling them so and explain it as straightforwardly as you can. Doctors are hard to surprise. They've heard it all.
  • Literally ask the doctor to draw you a picture if you don't understand something they're telling you. Sometimes a diagram is worth a thousand words. You can also ask them to write down medical terms that are new to you, so you can research them later.
  • Tell the doctor where you're getting your health information, especially if you're seeing acupuncturists, chiropractors, or psychiatrists. This can help the doctor explain things in terms you're already familiar with, and aid in creating a comprehensive treatment or recovery plan.
  • Bring someone with you. Sometimes a friend can function as a translator, especially if they're paying attention to what the doctor is saying when you're distracted by being in the middle of what feels like a crisis.

After your appointment
  • Immediately write down the key points your doctor talked about so you can remember them accurately later and you have a record of the visit. This can also be helpful if you're getting a second opinion and want to know if a new doctor would agree with your current one.
  • If you forgot to ask a key question, call the doctor's office as soon as possible and ask to speak to your doctor. They may not be able to take your call immediately, but can usually get back to you within a day. Be prepared for that conversation with your notes at hand and don't take up too much of the doctor's time on the phone. You may be keeping another patient waiting.

It's easier to communicate with someone you've built a relationship with. A big decision like surgery should be made only when you feel secure that you understand your alternatives and what the desired outcome is. A lot of doctors are eager to communicate with their patients and want to help you make good health care choices.