By David Haselwood, Executive Director at CanSup.org
Doctor visits, especially with oncologists, can be brief—often lasting only about 20 minutes. These meetings are vital for your care, but the limited time can make it hard to address all your concerns. Additionally, studies show that many patients leave these appointments without fully understanding the information shared, which can lead to confusion about their diagnosis or treatment plan. At CanSup, we want to help you turn these constraints into opportunities for better communication and care. With the right strategy, you can make every minute count.
Here’s our five-step plan for making the most of your meetings:
Step 1: Prepare – Have a Plan of Action
Preparation is key to a productive visit. Start by writing out your questions. Print them out and organize them into two categories:
- Actionable Questions: These are your top-priority questions to ask during the appointment.
- Follow-Up Questions: Save these for an email or a message through your healthcare provider’s portal, like MyChart.
Additionally, match each question to the right person. For example, some administrative concerns may be better addressed by a nurse or office staff than your oncologist. You should also look to prioritize the questions within each category. If you need to ask your doctor if it is ok to go on a trip that starts tomorrow, that is far more important to ask during the meeting than a general question with not immediate action tied to it.
Step 2: Record Your Meeting
Recording your appointment is one of the most powerful tools to ensure you capture all the details. Here’s how:
- Check Local Laws: Find out if your state requires consent from one or both parties to record a conversation. The majority of states do not require you to have the consent of the other party. However, we always recommend that patients say “I’m going to record this on my phone…is that okay?” once they start recording.
- Use Your Phone’s Voice Notes App: This is a simple and effective way to record the discussion.
- Send the Recording to CanSup as part of our Autopilot Program: We can process it and provide a detailed transcript and analysis known as an Encounter Report, or you can use other transcription services.
Studies have shown that patients often forget up to 80% of what is discussed during a doctor’s visit. Recording ensures you have an accurate record to review later. Plus, new AI driven tools like CanSup’s can add a ton of value to your recordings–we can pick up on things you may have missed and can help explain things to you.
Step 3: Engage in Active Listening
During the meeting, focus on what your doctor is saying and clarify anything you don’t understand. Recording your meetings and having your questions already written out should free up your mind to be a positive and active participant in the meeting.
- When your doctor asks about symptoms, provide quantitative answers. For example, instead of saying, “I feel nauseous,” specify, “I experience nausea three days a week.”
- Don’t hesitate to ask follow-up questions to ensure you understand terms or treatment plans.
Step 4: Ask Questions
Your questions are the foundation of the conversation. Focus on:
- Clarifying your diagnosis or treatment plan.
- Understanding the goals and potential outcomes of recommended treatments.
- Asking about other available options, such as clinical trials.
Step 5: Follow Up Immediately
After your visit, follow up with an email or message via your healthcare provider’s electronic medical record (EMR) system to:
- Confirm the next steps discussed during the appointment.
- Address any questions you didn’t have time to ask.
Why This Matters
By taking these steps, you’ll maximize the value of your time with your oncologist. These strategies not only help you get the answers you need but also empower you to take an active role in your care. With preparation, recording, and follow-up, you can turn every 20-minute meeting into a powerful step forward in your journey.
For more tips and tools, visit CanSup.org.
