Communicating with the Doctor

• Find out if the doctor has a preferred communication method—email, phone, or fax
• Call the doctor's office in advance of the appointment and share your concerns
• Write down your concerns in a bullet-style list and fax or email the list to the office prior to the appointment
• Bring the list of your concerns with you so you don't forget to ask about each one
• Research the care recipient's diagnosis and medications so you can ask specific questions
• Keep a journal of day-to-day issues so you can give specific examples
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to accompany your care recipient to the doctor if you are unable to
• Hire a care provider to accompany your care recipient to the doctor
• Take notes during the appointment