Episode 143: Speak Up at the Doctor’s Office: What Matters Most

Send us Fan MailWhat happens in the exam room can shape much more than a diagnosis or treatment plan. The questions patients ask, the concerns they share, and the trust they build with their providers can all influence their healthcare decisions. In this episode, Sandy speaks with Dr. Emily Boss, a pediatric ENT surgeon and researcher at Johns Hopkins, about how communication affects the care patients and families receive.Dr. Boss explains how patients can prepare for an appointment, organize their medical history, communicate their biggest concern, and distinguish between medical evidence, clinical guidelines, and a provider’s professional opinion. She also discusses how patient portals and emerging AI tools can support—not replace—the human relationship at the center of healthcare. You’ll leave with practical ways to speak up, ask better questions, and become a more confident partner in your care.Key Takeaways:Lead with what matters most. Tell your provider what brought you to the appointment, what worries you most, and what answer you hope to leave with.Organize the important details. A concise timeline, medication list, test results, and relevant records can help your provider understand the situation more quickly.Technology should support human care. Patient portals, AI-powered information tools, and medical scribes can improve access and create more room for meaningful conversation—but human judgment and connection remain essential.Resources:Emily Boss WebsitePlaybook AI PartnersPlaybook AI Partners - PodcastJoin Us September 23rd 2026 for  - "AI, That’s Not What I Meant!" - Free WebinarWant to be a guest on Get Savvy...Demystifying Healthcare? Send Sandy Kibling a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/getsavvydemystifyinghealthcare#podmatchSupport the show