Table of Contents

The PACE System

Presenting Detailed information

Guidelines for Reporting New or Changed Symptoms

Tips About Medications

Medication Record Form

Stating What You Expect

Asking Questions

Sample Questions About Diagnosis and Prognosis

Sample Questions About Tests or Procedures

Sample Questions About Medications

Sample Questions About Other Treatments

A List of All Sample Questions

Checking Your Understanding of Information

Expressing Concerns

Summary

Tips About Making Appointments

Tips About Medical Records

Remember to stay on PACE in communicating with your doctor by:

Presenting detailed information.

Asking questions.

Checking on your understanding of information given to you.

Expressing any concerns you have about the treatment.

 In addition to these PACE tips, you may find the following recommendations helpful. 

 Tips About Making An Appointment

Your stated reason for making an appointment determines how much time the nurse or secretary sets aside in the doctor's schedule for your visit.

• To make sure enough time is set aside for your needs, be as open and honest as possible about the reason for your visit.
• If you think extra time will be needed for your visit, let the secretary know that when you make the appointment.
• If you are concerned about how long you might wait to see the doctor, try making your appointment for the first time slot in the morning, or the first time slot after lunch. Also, on the day of your appointment, call the doctor's office before leaving your home and ask if he or she is on schedule.

Tips About Medical Records

• It is important for your primary care doctor (sometimes also called a family doctor) to have up-to-the-date information on all tests and procedures done by other doctors since your last visit.
• Always ask other doctors to send your primary care doctor a copy of any test results or procedure reports.
• Always ask doctors for a personal copy of any test results or procedure reports. Bring these personal copies with you if you expect to discuss the results with your doctor.