When you are in your doctor’s office, there is no such thing as a dumb question. To get the most out of your doctor’s visit, you need to be actively involved.  Remember that it is your health, you call the shots.  

The Foundation believes that the more you know, the healthier you'll be.

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 The National Health Council’s public education program, “Putting Patients First®,” is designed to help you take charge of your health care.  Three easy steps you can use from their program are:

1.  Ask questions. There’s no faster way to understand your symptoms, your treatment, your do’s and don’ts. So, ask your doctor, your nurses, your therapists. Ask why, how and why not. Don’t be shy. Remember they all work for you. They’re there to answer your questions.

2. Educate yourself. Read up on your condition and your medicines. Your library and the internet can provide a wealth of information. Smart patients stop acting like patients—and become partners in their health care treatment.

3. Network with others. Whatever your condition, there are others out there, just like you. In fact, it’s assured that there is a national agency to help with your condition. Groups like the American Heart Association and the National Osteoporosis Foundation can put you in touch with people who know what you are going through. Many of these groups are National Health Council members and you can find them on the Council’s website. 

For additional information, please check out the following resources found on the National Health Council’s website.

1.  How to Bring out the Best from Your Health Care Team provides eight easy to help prepare you for your next doctor’s visit. 
    

2. Making Your Health Plan Work for You details steps for how you can navigate through your health plan.
    

3. Patient’s Rights and Responsibilities encompasses the rights and responsibilities you have as a patient and what you should expect from your care.