Plan Your Visit

Your Clinic Visit

What questions should I ask my doctor or nurse?

We want you to be an active participant in your care. Sharing information among staff, patients, and family members fosters an environment in which decisions are made with both facts and feelings. For your safety, you will be asked to state your name and date of birth and show a photo ID.

We encourage you to know and participate in your care plan. Here are some ways you can be involved:

• Listen carefully when the risks, benefits, and alternatives for any procedure are being explained. Repeat what the doctors and nurses say in your own words and take notes.
• Ask any questions you may have. Speak up if something is unclear or confusing, and keep asking until you understand.
• Only agree to the things you fully understand.
• Remember that you have many rights as a patient, including the right to refuse any treatments.
• Provide complete and accurate information about your medical history, conditions, and allergies. Also, let us know if you are participating in a research study.
• Tell us who your family members or friends are and how you want them to be involved.

Keywords: questions, what to ask your doctor or nurse, your care plan, patient rights