5 Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

Several years ago, I accompanied a family member to a healthcare appointment. Before we arrived, they told me they had three important questions they wanted answered.

By the time the appointment was over and we were walking back to the car, they looked at me and said, "I forgot to ask every single one."

The appointment had felt rushed. New information had been discussed, a medication had been changed, and the questions they had carefully thought about beforehand were forgotten.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, I have seen this happen countless times. Healthcare appointments can feel overwhelming, especially when we are worried, unwell, or caring for someone we love.

Patient education resources from HealthLink BC encourage people to prepare for appointments, ask questions, and participate in decisions about their healthcare.

Over the years, I have learned that one of the simplest ways to become a stronger advocate for your health is to arrive prepared.

My suggestion? Before your next appointment, write down your questions and leave enough space to record the answers.

Bringing questions, keeping notes, and having important health information readily available can help you make the most of your time with healthcare providers.

Here are five important questions to consider before your next appointment.

1. What Should I Be Monitoring Between Appointments?

Many health conditions require ongoing monitoring. Ask your healthcare provider:

• What symptoms should I watch for?
• What changes should I report?
• When should I seek medical attention?

Keeping track of symptoms, weight changes, blood pressure readings, pain levels, sleep patterns, or other health concerns can provide valuable information during future appointments.

You don't need to record everything. Focus on the information your healthcare provider recommends monitoring.

A helpful tip: Record the date, what you noticed, and any circumstances surrounding a change. This can make it easier to identify patterns and explain your concerns during your next appointment.

Keeping a health journal can help you communicate changes to your healthcare provider, but it should never delay seeking medical attention when symptoms are urgent.

2. Are My Medications Still Appropriate?

Medication reviews are important, especially for individuals managing multiple health conditions.

Consider asking:

• Why am I taking this medication?
• Are there any side effects I should watch for?
• Are there any interactions with other medications or supplements?
• Do any medications need to be reviewed or updated?

Having an up-to-date medication list can help ensure accurate communication between healthcare providers.

Bring a complete list of your prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, and supplements, including their dosages, to your appointment.

A helpful tip: When a medication changes, record what changed, why it changed, and when the change should take effect.

Never stop or change a prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

3. What Can I Do to Support My Health Between Visits?

Healthcare extends beyond appointments.

Ask your provider:

• Are there lifestyle changes that may help?
• Should I focus on nutrition, sleep, exercise, or stress management?
• Are there community resources available to support my health goals?

Small changes over time can have a meaningful impact on overall health and well-being.

A helpful tip: Rather than leaving with several goals that feel overwhelming, ask your healthcare provider which one or two changes would be most beneficial for you.

Write them down, along with any recommendations for getting started.

4. What Tests, Screenings, or Follow-Up Appointments Do I Need?

Preventive care and appropriate follow-up play important roles in maintaining health.

Ask:

• Am I due for any screening tests?
• Do I need follow-up blood work?
• Should I see a specialist?
• When should I schedule my next appointment?
• How and when will I receive my test results?

Understanding your care plan can help you stay proactive and avoid missed follow-ups.

A helpful tip: Before leaving, confirm who is responsible for arranging any tests, referrals, or follow-up appointments.

Record the expected dates and who to contact if you haven't received results or an appointment.

5. What Questions Haven't I Asked?

This may be the most important question of all.

Healthcare can be complex, and it is easy to overlook concerns during an appointment.

Before leaving, consider asking:

• Is there anything else I should know?
• Are there warning signs I should watch for?
• What should I do if my symptoms change?
• Can you explain what happens next?
• Do you have any recommendations or resources for me?

This simple question can open the door to valuable information and clarification.

A helpful tip: Before your appointment ends, take a moment to review your notes. Make sure you understand the next steps, including any medication changes, tests, referrals, or follow-up instructions.

If something isn't clear, ask for it to be explained again.

You deserve to understand your healthcare plan.

What I Have Learned as a Nurse

Over the years, I have learned that if I had to choose just one question from this list, it would be number two:

"Are my medications still appropriate?"

Our health changes, and our medications often change with it.

New prescriptions are added, dosages are adjusted, and treatments are sometimes discontinued.

As a Licensed Practical Nurse, I have seen how easily people can lose track of why they are taking certain medications, particularly when several healthcare providers are involved.

A medication review can open the door to important conversations about side effects, effectiveness, interactions, and whether a treatment is still needed.

It is a question that takes only a few moments to ask, but the answers can have a significant impact on your health and quality of life.

A Little Preparation Can Make a Big Difference

Being prepared for healthcare appointments is one of the simplest ways to become a stronger advocate for your health.

Before your next appointment, take 10 minutes to:

• Write down your most important questions.
• Review your current medications.
• Gather any symptoms, measurements, or health information you want to discuss.
• Leave space to record the answers and next steps.
• And remember, you don't have to rely on memory alone.
• This is one of the reasons we created My Health Journal.

Our paper health journal was designed to help individuals, caregivers, and families keep important health information organized, including medical history, medications, symptoms, appointments, and questions for healthcare providers.

Having this information together in one place can make preparing for appointments easier and help you feel more confident when discussing your health.

Because when it comes to your health, you shouldn't have to rely on memory alone.

Explore My Health Journals and discover how a little organization can make a meaningful difference in managing your healthcare.

Shelley McLellan, LPN
Executive Director & Co-Creator
My Health Journals

 

References & Further Reading

At My Health Journals, we believe that informed patients and caregivers are better equipped to participate in their healthcare. The following Canadian resources provide additional information about preparing for appointments, communicating with healthcare providers, and understanding medical tests.

1. HealthLink BC. Making the Most of Your Appointment
2. HealthLink BC. Work Closely With Your Doctor
3. HealthLink BC. Medical Tests: Questions to Ask the Doctor

 

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by My Health Journals is intended for general educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding questions about your health, medications, or medical conditions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, seek immediate medical assistance.