My
Health
2014
ANTHEM BLUE CROSS
PO BOX 9054
OXNARD, CA 93031-9054
CM
Standard
U.S. Postage
PAID
Platteville,
WI
Permit No. 7
Rx: what to do before you
leave the doctor’s office
When your doctor prescribes a medicine (drug), find
out what you need to know while you are still talking
to the doctor.
1
Ask what side effects there are with
the drug.
2
Repeat back to the doctor what you are
told about:
•
•
What the drug is for.
•
•
When and how to take it.
3
When you see the doctor, bring along a list of
medicines you take. Or better yet, bring the
bottles. Include any you buy over the counter (even
vitamins). Also, bring anything you take for weight
loss, cold, cough or allergy.
4
If you are afraid of becoming addicted to a
drug, talk with your doctor.
5
Call your doctor if you are having side effects
or want to stop taking a prescribed medicine.
To make the most of the time
you spend in your doctor’s office:
DO explain your symptoms in
detail. Tell your doctor:
•
Where you hurt.
•
When and how long you hurt.
•
What it feels like – what type
of pain it is.
•
What makes it better or worse.
DON’T assume the doctor
knows best. If your doctor wants
you to get a treatment that you
don’t agree with, tell your doctor
your concerns.
DO take a friend or family
member with you. Ask your
friend to take notes. It’s always
easier to visit your doctor
when you bring support. And
if you don’t recall what your
doctor tells you, your friend
probably will.
DON’T be afraid to tell your
doctor if you don’t understand.
Ask for more explanation. It’s
key to know what you will need
to do to get better.
Doctor do’s and don’ts
