Getting Clear Information
Author: Dr. Vrolijk | Updated: August 23, 2025 | Disclaimer | Review Process | References
Medical appointments move fast, and doctors often use words that are like a foreign language. Many people nod along, but are thinking “What does that actually mean?” This creates a frustrating gap between what your doctor thinks you understand and what you actually know.
Below are ways to ask staff to communicate more clearly – whether by explaining it better or writing it down.
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Why This Happens
Medical information can be overwhelming. Doctors can use complicated words or assume you understand things that are new to you. You might leave appointments feeling confused.
This isn’t because you’re not smart enough. Medical language is a foreign language that takes years to learn. Even healthcare providers had to study for years to understand it.
Below are some ways that help you get the answers you need. If one strategy doesn’t work, you can try another one. Or say that you’re still confused.
What You Can Do
These are example phrases to help you communicate with your healthcare team. Use your own words – the important thing is getting your message across clearly.
Ask for Clearer Explanations
“Can you explain that in everyday language? I want to make sure I understand what you’re saying.”
This tells the provider what you need. By focusing on your needs, you avoid making them feel blamed, which helps them explain things better.
Ask to See an Example
“I’m having trouble picturing this. Do you have a drawing or model that could help me understand?”
Many people understand better when they can see something. Visual aids help complex ideas make sense.
Break It Down into Steps
“That’s a lot of important information. Can we go through it step by step? I want to make sure I understand everything.”
Breaking down information makes it easier to understand. You can more easily identify steps you don’t understand and ask questions about specific parts.
Get It Written Down
“Can you write down the main points? I want to make sure I remember this correctly when I get home.”
Written information helps you remember and gives you something to refer to later. You can show this to friends or family to help you understand better. It also helps the provider slow down.
Check Your Understanding
“Let me summarize what I heard to make sure I got it right: You’re saying that…”
This catches any misunderstandings before you leave. It can help the provider know how to communicate better.
✷ Ask how you can get in touch with your doctor after your visit. This way you can ask any other questions you think of.
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Adriani PA, Hino P, Taminato M, Okuno MFP, Santos OV, Fernandes H. Non-violent communication as a technology in interpersonal relationships in health work: a scoping review. BMC Health Serv Res. 2024;24(1):289. doi:10.1186/s12913-024-10753-2
Altmiller G. Teaching clinical nurse specialist students to resolve conflict: strategies that promote effective communication and teamwork. Clinical Nurse Specialist. 2011;25(5):260-262.
Ha JF, Longnecker N. Doctor-patient communication: a review. Ochsner journal. 2010;10(1):38-43.
Jagosh J, Boudreau JD, Steinert Y, MacDonald ME, Ingram L. The importance of physician listening from the patients’ perspective: Enhancing diagnosis, healing, and the doctor–patient relationship. Patient education and counseling. 2011;85(3):369-374.
Lang F, Floyd MR, Beine KL. Clues to patients’ explanations and concerns about their illnesses: A call for active listening. Archives of family medicine. 2000;9(3):222.
Rosenberg MB, Chopra D. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships. PuddleDancer Press; 2015.
Stewart MA. Effective physician-patient communication and health outcomes: a review. CMAJ: Canadian medical association journal. 1995;152(9):1423.
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