Your doctor doesn’t have all the answers. They need your story to make accurate recommendations—so tell them!

If you’re talking about a specific problem, be sure to outline when it started, anything that may have changed around that time, and how it’s progressed.

If you’re talking about your general health, go in with data! Show them how you’re doing outside of the office. For example, you can use the Hello Heart blood pressure tracker to show your doctor how you’re doing day-to-day.

Don’t be afraid to ask your doctor questions or for more information! They’re there to help you. Here are a few to get you started:

• If you’re talking about how you’re feeling: What could be causing this? What symptoms should I look out for? What can I do to improve my symptoms?
• If you need any tests (like a blood test): How long will it take to get the results? What will I know after the test? Will I need a follow-up visit?
• If the doctor prescribes you medication or treatment: What are my options? What side effects can I expect? How will I know it’s working?

If you find that you leave the doctor's office and can’t quite remember what they said, take notes! Your doctor is sharing valuable information, but you shouldn’t have to memorize it all.

Bring a notebook and pen with you, or take notes in your phone. You can even record the visit so you can listen back to it later—just be sure to let your doctor know.

Tip: If you have questions you want to ask the doctor, write them down ahead of time, and then write what the doctor says!

Now, go into your next doctor’s appointment with confidence! Ask questions, take notes, and tell them your story.