Helpful hints for communicating with your physician and professional health care team.

• Make a list of your questions, symptoms and concerns. Ask a relative or a friend to help.

• Ask for extra time to meet your physician when making an appointment.

• Ask a family member, your Medical Power of Attorney or a friend to accompany you to your medical appointments.

• Seek a distraction-free environment for your conversation.

• Make sure you understand what the physician says. Ask for clarification or repetition when needed.

• Review your medications, prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs, with your physician.

• Ask for a follow-up appointment if need be.

• Review your progress every time you meet with your physician.

• If hospitalization is necessary, ask a relative, your Medical Power of Attorney or a friend to participate in bedside discussions.

• If conflicts arise in health care decisions, request help from a social worker or the facility ethics director.