Talking With Your Doctor

Be Prepared

If you believe you are at risk for a blood condition or have been diagnosed with a blood condition, talk to your doctor about it. Make the most of your visit by preparing in advance.

Before Your Visit

• Prepare questions to discuss.
• Make a list of your symptoms and health concerns.
• Make a list of medications you are currently taking.
• If you feel you need moral support, you may want to bring someone with you such as a friend or family member.

During Your Visit

• Arrive in plenty of time to fill out any medical and insurance forms. Answer all health- and family history-related questions honestly.
• Do not withhold any information from your doctor. Even if you think it might not be important, make sure you mention it because it might be something your doctor needs to know in order to prescribe the best treatment.
• When speaking with your doctor, make sure you understand the diagnosis and the next steps you should take.
• If there is a word or phrase you do not understand, ask your doctor to explain it in a way that will make sense to you.
• Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask about symptoms or concerns; remember, your doctor has dealt with similar questions before.
• Prior to leaving the doctor's office, make sure you know what the follow-up plan or arrangements are.
• Be sure to ask the best way to communicate with your care team (eg. messaging, phone call) should questions arise after the visit.

After Your Visit

• Call your doctor's office with any additional questions you did not get to ask or that you develop after the visit. Your doctor may be able to answer your questions by phone, or may be able to schedule another visit to address them in detail.