“Patients often avoid asking too many questions for fear of being labeled as difficult, or think the doctor will get annoyed with them for taking up too much time,” says Elwyn. 

And while the responsibility to discuss treatment risks and benefits is technically that of the healthcare provider’s, it’s smart to take matters into your own hands. Here’s how: 

Do your homework “When patients become better informed, they tend to make different, and often more conservative, decisions,” says Elwyn. Before your next appointment, research your diagnosis and the options available. Use it to generate a list of key questions to have handy when talking with your doc. 

Bring an advocate It could be your spouse, a close friend, or anyone else you trust. If you start feeling anxious or overwhelmed during the consultation, they can jump in to ensure your voice is still heard. 

Have your records handy. It will help your doctor understand what's going on with you if you have your complete health history in one place, especially if you've already seen a number of physicians and had lots of tests. This information belongs to you and should be made available upon request. (Check out these three easy ways to keep your health records together.)  

Be curious Questions like “What happens if I do nothing?” “Are there any alternatives?” and “How likely are the alternatives to work for me?” might be hard to ask, but they’ll help you decide whether a certain treatment is right for you. “When asked in a gentle but firm way, these prompts lead to constructive dialogue,” says Elwyn.

Speak up If you don’t feel like your doc’s paid enough attention to your needs or concerns, say, “I’d like to have some more explanation about that.” To avoid potentially upsetting patients, doctors often err on the side of giving less info, Elwyn says. But if you ask for more detail, she should be willing to fill you in. If not, it’s time to shop around for a doctor who is.