As well as your doctor you may have other healthcare providers or family members or friends who help you look after your health – this is your healthcare team. Among others, your team can include a nurse, pharmacist or physiotherapist. Good communication with everyone in your healthcare team (including your doctor) will help you to look after your health. The information in this section is useful when talking to any healthcare provider.

Why regular visits to your doctor are important

Seeing your doctor and other healthcare providers regularly will help you meet your treatment goals. You should go to your appointments even if you are feeling well, so together you can keep track of your health and progress.

During your regular visits you can talk about:

• any COPD risk factors you may have been exposed to (for example smoking, dust or fumes)
• whether your COPD is getting any worse or staying the same
• your medications
• flare-ups other health issues that you may have and how they may affect your COPD
• how COPD is influencing your life
• what you can do to stay as healthy as possible.

By seeing your doctor and other healthcare providers regularly you are taking control of your COPD and helping to prevent your COPD from getting worse.

Make sure you understand what your doctor tells you

It is easy to get flustered or confused when talking to a doctor, especially if he or she uses words or terms that you are not familiar with. It is important that you understand exactly what they are saying. It is also important that your doctor understands what is important to you.

Making sure that you understand what your doctor is  saying will help you to better manage your health.

It is helpful to write down your questions and concerns before your visit to make sure you remember to ask everything you want to. You may find it useful to have a ‘special book’ (for example a diary or calendar) to keep track of your COPD symptoms.

If you do not understand what your doctor tells you, do not be embarrassed to ask them to explain the information again. They know that you have a lot to take in. Ask your doctor to write down important information and the answers to your questions, possibly in your ‘special book’. This way you can read everything after the visit and it may help you discuss things with your family or friends.

Tips when visiting your doctor

• Make a list of questions and concerns before your visit. List these in order of priority. If you have many questions, make a longer appointment or
• schedule a second visit.
• Show your list to your doctor and decide together what you will discuss during this visit.
• Do not avoid asking questions because you are afraid or embarrassed. Your doctor is there to help you.
• Bring a friend or family member for support.
• Do not end the visit if you feel you do not fully understand what your doctor is saying. If something is unclear to you, ask for further explanation.
• Ask your doctor to write answers down for you to refer to again.
• Find out the best way to contact your doctor in case you have additional questions, or if you are concerned about symptoms or suspect a flare-up.
• Let your doctor know if you have concerns over the costs of your COPD treatment or overall health management. They can help you find the best solution.

Content updated October 22, 2010