Prepare for your appointment.
Walk into your next doctor's visit feeling confident, informed, and ready to advocate for yourself.
Appointment Checklist
Check off each item before your visit to make sure you're fully prepared.
Question Builder
Select the topics that matter most to you. We'll generate a personalized list of questions to bring to your appointment.
Select one or more topics above to generate your question list.
Know Your Patient Rights
You have rights in every healthcare setting. Here's what you're entitled to.
Right to Information
You have the right to receive clear, complete information about your diagnosis, treatment options, and prognosis in language you can understand.
Right to Informed Consent
No treatment can be performed without your informed consent. You must be told the risks, benefits, and alternatives before agreeing to any procedure.
Right to Refuse Treatment
You have the right to refuse any treatment, even if your doctor recommends it, as long as you understand the consequences.
Right to Privacy
Your medical information is protected by law (HIPAA). It cannot be shared without your permission except in specific circumstances.
Right to a Second Opinion
You can always seek a second opinion from another healthcare provider. Your doctor should support this decision.
Right to an Interpreter
If English is not your primary language, you have the right to a qualified medical interpreter at no cost to you.
Right to Access Your Records
You have the right to access, review, and receive copies of your medical records. Providers must respond to requests within 30 days.
Right to File a Complaint
If your rights are violated, you can file a complaint with your provider, hospital, state health department, or the Office for Civil Rights.
Official Appointment Checklist
Download the official Project Healthvocate Appointment Checklist — a printable guide to help you walk into every appointment prepared, informed, and confident.
Download PDFDownloadable Advocacy Guides
Print or save these guides to bring to your appointment.
Appointment Prep Checklist
A one-page printable checklist to complete before every appointment.
My Questions for the Doctor
A fill-in template to organize your questions and take notes during your visit.
Patient Rights Summary
A plain-language summary of your key rights as a patient.
Medication Tracker
Track your current medications, dosages, and schedules in one place.
Need help in another language? All guides are available in Spanish, Polish, and Mandarin. Contact us at [email protected] to request translated materials.