Let’s Talk: How To Communicate Effectively With Your PCP
Posted December 04, 2025
One of the healthiest choices we can make in life is to develop a meaningful and long-lasting relationship with our primary care provider (PCP). And one of the best ways to strengthen that relationship is to ensure effective communication.
As a board-certified family physician, my mission is to help my patients to live full and healthy lives by partnering with them on the journey toward better health. Unfortunately, just like any relationship, this doesn’t always work as smoothly as we would like. Challenging interpersonal dynamics and our broken healthcare system can occasionally come together to create a perfect storm of frustration and confusion.
So how can we prevent miscommunication and address misunderstandings as they arise? How can we overcome the systemic barriers that keep us feeling disconnected? How can we work together to make sure our voices are heard and our values are honored?
Here are six practical tips that can improve communication with your PCP:
1. Prepare For Your Visit
Complete any pre-visit check-in items sent prior to your appointment, including any updates to your personal or family medical history. Make a paper or digital list of questions or concerns that you’d like to address. If you are experiencing a new problem that you haven’t previously discussed, take note of any important details. These include when it started, how often it happens, how long it lasts, what makes it better or worse, what you have done to manage the problem, and how it impacts your daily life. Bring a list of your current medications or consider bringing any bottles to identify duplicates or discrepancies.
2. Be Open and Transparent
Speak honestly and clearly about even personal or sensitive topics. It is important for your PCP to understand all aspects of your health, including the areas that may feel private or embarrassing. Diagnoses are more likely to be accurate and treatment plans are more likely to be effective when your PCP has all the relevant information. Conversations about bathroom habits, body image, sexual activity, mental health and substance use are worthwhile even if uncomfortable at first. This often becomes easier over time as you develop a more trusting relationship with your PCP.
3. Clarify and Correct
Healthcare providers may occasionally speak with medical jargon that is unclear or difficult to interpret, and other times they may leave out important information. Become comfortable with the requests, “Would you help me understand?” and “What else would you like me to know about this?”
A few other clarifying questions that can be helpful:
- Why do you think _____ is the problem?
- Why do you think _____ isn’t the problem?
- If these symptoms are not cause for alarm, which symptoms would be more concerning?
- What is the purpose of this test, and why do you think it is important?
- What common side effects should I expect, and what serious problems should I look out for?
- Are there other treatment options available?
- What would happen if I didn’t treat this condition?
- What next steps do you have in mind if this doesn’t work?
On the other hand, your PCP might also misunderstand something you have said. Don’t be afraid of the phrase, “Actually, that’s not what I meant.” Your PCP desires this sort of feedback, and they will appreciate your commitment to ensuring they have the most accurate information about your health.
4. Make a To-Do List
It can be difficult to keep track of the many recommendations or instructions that your PCP offers, and these are not always included in an after-visit summary. Take note of dietary suggestions, exercise regimens, medication changes, labs or imaging to complete, and appointments to schedule. Review this list with your PCP at the end of each visit and ask, “Is there anything else you’d like me to do before we see each other again?”
5. Invite a Support Person
Sometimes we minimize our symptoms or struggle to explain our concerns. Other times, we may misinterpret a question or forget an instruction from our PCP. Having a trusted friend or family member present can provide emotional and practical support. Debrief beforehand so they understand how to be most helpful (i.e., listening intently or speaking up), and debrief afterward about any thoughts or feelings that arose during the visit.
6. Follow Up and Stay Connected
Communication with your PCP doesn’t need to end when your appointment is over, and it is best if you remain in touch. The most effective way to interact with your provider is often via MyChart, as this platform allows not only ready access to your personal health records but also the opportunity to send direct messages to your provider. Review any paperwork or documentation provided after your visit and consider reading your PCP’s note about your conversation. MyChart also allows you to review any lab or imaging results along with your provider’s interpretation. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you develop a new problem or if your treatment plan isn’t working as expected. Your PCP can often provide additional feedback or adjust medications even before your next appointment.
Your Voice Matters
Effective communication doesn’t always come naturally. A partnership with your PCP may require time, effort, and commitment. But just as with friends and family, your investment in the present can make a positive difference in the future. Your PCP cares about more than just your health; they also care about you. So begin today with these strategies to strengthen one of life’s most important relationships.
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