How to Talk with Doctors About Your Parent's Care
Marcus Chen, RN · March 22, 2026
A short, honest script for making the most of fifteen-minute appointments — and getting the answers your family actually needs.
Most specialist visits last fifteen minutes. You can use that time well by writing down three questions the night before and bringing a one-page summary of recent changes: falls, sleep shifts, appetite, mood, new medications.
Ask for plain language
If a clinician uses a term you do not understand, ask them to repeat it and spell it. Write it down. You can look it up later and come back with follow-up questions by patient portal message.
Bring a second set of ears when possible. A family member on speakerphone works when in-person is not feasible.