How to Know What the Doctor Really Said

Studies indicate that at least 90 million Americans have a hard time understanding basic health information, a problem that, according to this piece in the New York Times, results in poor adherence to prescription instructions, infrequent use
of preventive medical services, increased hospitalizations and visits
to the emergency room and worse control of chronic diseases. Much of that basic health information comes directly from doctors, who, the Times reports, don’t always make the best effort to make sure patients have a good understanding of what’s going on. What to do? Here’s what Jane Brody advises:
"Do not wait until doctors become better at communicating. If you want
the best medical care, you have to take the initiative. If the doctor
says something you do not understand, ask that it be repeated in
simpler language. If you are given a new set of instructions, repeat
them back to the doctor to confirm your understanding. If you are given
a new device to use, demonstrate how you think you are to use it."
Read more in the New York Times.