Often it is hard to understand what doctors tell us about our health.

Asking just three questions can make it a lot easier.

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or any provider keep these three questions in mind. Even better, write them down and keep them with you to help make remembering easier.

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

What if you ask these questions and still don’t understand?

Tell the person you are talking with that you still don’t understand. You might say, “This is new to me. Would you please explain it one more time?”

Are you nervous about asking questions? Try not to be. Your doctor wants to answer these questions. When you ask them, you help you and your providers take better care of your well-being.

Studies show that people who understand health instructions make fewer mistakes when they take their medicine or prepare for a medical procedure. They may also get well sooner or be able to better manage a serious condition.

Ask Me 3 is a patient education program designed to improve communication between patients and health care providers, encourage patients to become active members of their health care team, and become healthier.

Talk with your doctor about how to improve communication with him or her. If you do not have a doctor and would like help finding one, UT Medical Center’s Healthcare Coordination can help. They will talk to you about what insurance you have, what type of doctor you need and what days are most convenient for you. Call them today at 865-305-6970 to make an appointment.

Health Information Center at The University of Tennessee Medical Center provided this Healthy Tip. The Health Information Center is a library staffed by medical librarians and certified health information specialists. If you let us know your health information needs, we will do research for you and mail or email the results to you for free. You can call us at 865-305-9525. We also have a large collection of books covering a variety of topics.

Becoming a library member is free and only requires a picture ID.

The Health Information Center in located on the first floor the hospital. We have computers, printers, and a quiet place to take a break. We are open the following times:

Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 am-9 pm
Fri., 8:30 am-5 pm
Sat., 9 am-5 pm
Sun., 1 pm-9 pm