Let’s Talk: Conversations With Your Doctor That Can Protect Your Health

Simple questions and direct dialogue can make a big difference in your care

Simple questions and direct dialogue can make a big difference in your care

When it comes to protecting your health, one of the most powerful tools is conversation. Open, honest communication with your primary care provider (PCP) can lead to earlier diagnoses, faster treatment, and better long-term outcomes.

“Listening to patients isn’t just good bedside manner—it’s the foundation of effective care,” says Kelsey Moon, MD, an internal medicine attending physician who trains residents at Missouri Baptist Medical Center.

The more comfortable you are with talking to your PCP and the more questions you ask, the better your provider can tailor your care to your needs.

Bring up any new symptoms you’re experiencing

New symptoms—like unusual fatigue, pain, numbness, or problems with memory, balance, or vision—could signal chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), which affects the central nervous system. Other illnesses, like diabetes, may start subtly, with increased thirst or unexplained weight changes. If you’ve noticed anything unusual, bringing it up with your PCP is a crucial first step. The MoBap Internal Medicine Residency Clinic offers adult primary care and convenient access to the expertise of both a resident physician and an experienced attending physician during each visit.

When talking with your PCP, be specific and prepared to answer:

• When did symptoms begin?
• How often do they occur?
• How do they impact daily life?
• Have you noticed any patterns?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions

Asking questions helps ensure you fully understand your health, including any next steps you need to take, medications you might need, or treatment options you have. Questions as simple as “Should I take this medication in the morning or evening?” can help reduce confusion and prevent mistakes or side effects. Questions can also help uncover something you might have forgotten to share with your PCP. Asking “How does this medication interact with the vitamins I take?” can start a conversation about supplements and give you and your provider a fuller picture of your health.

Ask questions like:

• “Can you explain that in simpler terms?”
• “Do I need to change anything about my diet, exercise, or daily routine?”
• “Do you have any written information or resources I can take with me to review at home?

Talk about screenings and prevention

Routine screenings like blood pressure checks, cholesterol panels, and skin exams can catch many conditions early—often before you even notice symptoms. If you’re unsure whether you’re up to date on your screenings, bring it up at your next visit. If you're concerned about a specific condition such as diabetes, ask if there are any tests or labs your doctor would recommend as well as preventive steps you can take now to stay healthy.

Try asking:

• Based on my age, family history, health history, or other risk factors, would you recommend any screenings?
• How reliable are these screenings, and what won’t the tests tell me?
• What can I do daily to lower my risk for heart disease, diabetes, or cancer?

Your PCP can also refer you to specialists and help guide you through next steps in your health journey—start the conversation today.

To schedule a primary care appointment at Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Clinic, call 314-996-7250 or visit bjc.org/MoBapClinic.