We are patients too, so we understand how daunting it can be not knowing what to expect or what questions to ask when you see your doctor. That's why health literacy – how well patients understand their own health and the terms used during their appointments – is important when managing your health. The medical world can be filled with terms that aren’t easy to understand unless you’ve studied medicine – like your doctor has!

The good news is, there is a helpful tool that can make the healthcare process easier for you to understand – Ask Me 3. This tool, designed by health literacy experts, encourages patients to ask these three questions at their appointment:

1. What is my main problem?
2. What do I need to do?
3. Why is it important for me to do this?

Each question is meant to cover any issue you may face during your appointment and what you need to understand in terms of taking care of yourself after you leave your doctor’s office. These three questions can help you feel confident in every appointment you have, as well as help your doctor. Communication between you and your doctor is so important, and these three questions will help you both stay on the same page in terms of your medical needs.

You can ask these questions when you see your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, and other healthcare providers, when you’re preparing for a medical test or procedure, and when you get your medicine to ensure you are taking it correctly. If you ask these questions and still don’t understand, please be sure to let your healthcare provider know!

For more information on Ask Me 3, visit their website here.