Communication Tools
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
Having trouble getting straight answers from your doctor? Need to discuss something uncomfortable? Feeling dismissed or not heard?
Doctor visits can feel overwhelming. This page helps by explaining what to do when faced with bias or unfair treatment, tips for discussing medication problems, and ways to make sure your concerns are heard.
On This Page:
Why These Tools Help
Ever left a doctor visit feeling frustrated because you didn’t get answers? Or worried you forgot to mention something important? You’re not alone.
Healthcare has its own communication style that can feel like a foreign language. These tools help you communicate effectively in medical settings.
Let us know if these tools help you or if something else worked better for your situation. We also want to hear if you had a bad experience using our tools so we can improve them. → Get in touch here
Support for Bias & Unfair Treatment
Some people face bias in healthcare because of their race, weight, sexuality, gender, or other factors. This is real, documented, and not your fault. Speaking up can be much harder when facing bias.
Ways to Get Extra Help
- See if you can switch doctors
- Get a second opinion from another doctor
- Have someone come with you to the visit
- Get a patient advocate (see how to find one below)
Your Hospital
- Online – Search for your hospital’s name and “patient advocate”
- Call – Call the hospital and ask to talk to a patient advocate
- Go to the front desk – Ask staff how to talk to a patient advocate
Nonprofits
- If you have been diagnosed with a health problem – Search online for your health problem’s name and “patient advocate”
- Ask your doctor’s office about nonprofits that can help
- Visit Patient Advocate Foundation – a nonprofit with advocates and other patient support resources
During Your Visit
- Ask a support person to take notes during the visit
- Ask to audio record the visit (check your state laws if you want to record without asking)
- Use patient portal for follow-up questions
If Something Happened
- File a complaint with hospital’s patient relations department
- For serious issues – report to state medical boards
Talking About Medication Problems
Talking about medicine problems can be hard. Some people feel like they’re complaining if they call about side effects.
But your medical provider can help. They can help you find a better medicine or suggest other solutions. Some side effects can be dangerous. Your healthcare provider can explain if a problem is serious or not.
Some Common Concerns
Here are some common concerns and ways you might bring them up. Don’t worry about using these words. They’re just here to help you get started.
- Medication isn’t working: “I’ve been taking [medication] for [time]. But I haven’t noticed [what it should be doing]. What are the next steps?”
- Side effects: “I’m having [specific side effect] that started [time] after I began taking this medicine. It’s making it hard to do [activity]”
- Want to Stop Taking It: “I’ve been taking this for [time period] and my [symptoms/readings] have been [stable/normal]. Do I still need this?”
When Communication Is Hard
Sometimes you might have something hard to talk about during an appointment. Other times there can be a communication breakdown. These situations are stressful for most patients. Below are some common challenges patients face and ideas for dealing with them.
If Sharing Feels Risky
- Try starting with your main health concern and seeing how they respond
- Stick to information that directly relates to your symptoms
- Asking “How would that information help with my care?” if they ask about something sensitive
- You don’t have to share everything in the first visit
Common Challenging Topics
More privacy: Ask to speak to your provider alone or in a quieter place.
More information: It’s okay to ask more questions or say you don’t understand. You can ask for another appointment too.
Lower cost: Many hospitals and doctor’s offices can help you find ways to afford the treatment you need. Sometimes they can prescribe you a cheaper medicine.
When You're Not Being Heard
- Tell them what you’re worried about
- Describe how it affects your life
- Ask them to explain their thinking
- Express any concerns for safety
- Ask them to summarize your concerns
When Explanations Don't Make Sense
- Ask for a simpler explanation
- Ask to see an example or picture
- Say you need it broken down into steps
- Get the information written down
- Check your understanding
Bringing Up Hard Topics
Bringing Up Hard Topics
- Ask to speak privately
- Say this topic is hard to discuss
- Start with just bringing it up
- Ask for more information
What to Read Next
All of Our Conversation Tools
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Disclaimer
The information provided by HealthEd for Everyone is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of this information, it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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