Be prepared for medical appointments

Take an active role in your health care

The single most important way you can stay healthy is to be an active member of your own health care team. One way to get high-quality health care is to find and use information, and take an active role in all of the decisions made about your health care.

The information on this page was developed by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality (AHRQ). It can help you prepare a list of questions for your next appointment. There are also tips for talking with your doctor, making decisions about medical tests and safely taking your medications.

Questions are the answer

Improving health care quality is a team effort. You can improve your care and the care of your loved ones by taking an active role in your health care. Ask questions. Understand your condition. Evaluate your options.

Five steps to safer health care

Five ways to get safer health care, including tips on medicines, lab tests and surgery.

Check your medicines

Tips for safely taking medicines.

Quick tips - When getting a prescription

Information to help you get a prescription filled.

Quick tips - When getting medical tests

Information to help you make decisions about medical tests

Quick tips - When talking to your doctor

Information to help you when you talk to your doctor

More information about the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality