When Health Conversations Feel Like Another Language
Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment more confused than when you walked in? You’re not alone. Words like benign, chronic, idiopathic, or hypertension can feel like another language, making it difficult to feel in control of your health conversations.
Studies show that more than half of patients struggle with health literacy fully understanding the medical information shared during consultations. This confusion can lead to anxiety, poor follow-through, and even dangerous medication mistakes.
At The Health Academy, we believe understanding your health shouldn’t feel like cracking a code. This guide provides communication tips to help you understand your doctor and become an active participant in your care
The Problem: When Clear Information Gets Lost in Translation
Why it happens: Healthcare professionals often use medical terms as a “shortcut” for accuracy — it’s how they communicate quickly and precisely with each other. But when that same language reaches patients, it can feel like alphabet soup.
When you don’t understand what’s being said about your body, it’s hard to make informed decisions. Misunderstandings can lead to:
· Taking the wrong medication or dosage
· Skipping follow-up appointments
· Unnecessary anxiety about harmless findings
Clarity is care. Understanding your doctor’s language is just as important as receiving the right diagnosis
Common Jargon — and What It Actually Means
Here’s a quick guide to terms you’ve probably heard but may not have fully understood:
Medical Term What It Means (Plain English)
Benign Non-cancerous or not dangerous
Chronic Long-term or recurring (e.g., arthritis, diabetes)
Acute Sudden or short-term (like a sprain or infection)
Hypertension High blood pressure
Lesion A small area of abnormal tissue — not always serious
Idiopathic Cause unknown
Negative result Good news! — no disease or abnormal finding
Positive result Indicates the presence of a condition or infection
Inflammation The body’s natural response to injury or irritation
Prognosis Expected outcome or recovery chance
Once you learn to translate the basics, you’ll start seeing that many “scary-sounding” words simply describe what’s happening, not necessarily something harmful.
How to Communicate Better With Your Doctor?
You have every right to understand what’s happening with your health, and good doctors want you to ask questions.
Here’s how to take charge of your appointment:
· Ask for plain language: Say, “Can you explain that in simpler terms?” or “What does that mean for me day-to-day?”
· Repeat it back: Try summarising what you understood; this helps confirm accuracy.
· Bring a notebook (or record with permission): Jot down key points or instructions.
· Use analogies: Doctors often respond well if you ask, “So is that like…?” (e.g., “Is high cholesterol like buildup in a pipe?”).
· Request written instructions: Especially if you’re prescribed medication or a treatment plan.
If English isn’t your first language, you can always request an interpreter; every patient has that right.
Tools to Help You Decode at Home
You don’t have to rely on “Dr. Google,” there are trustworthy tools made to help patients understand medical information safely.
· Healthdirect (Australia): A government-backed site with clear, reliable definitions.
· Mayo Clinic & Cleveland Clinic: Reputable medical centers offering patient-friendly explanations.
· MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Trusted for medical term breakdowns.
Using credible resources ensures you’re getting facts, not fear-based misinformation.
Turning Confusion Into Confidence
Healthcare works best when it’s a partnership. When you understand your doctor, you become an active participant in your own care, not just a bystander.
You’re not asking too many questions, you’re asking the right ones. Every great health decision starts with understanding.
Medical language doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right tools, curiosity, and communication, you can bridge the gap between doctor-speak and plain English. At the Health Academy, we believe knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your wellbeing. Because understanding your health isn’t just empowering; it’s lifesaving.
References
1. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2023). Clear Communication: Health Literacy and Patient Education. Retrieved from https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
2. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). (2023). Questions to Ask Your Doctor: Getting the Most Out of Appointments. Retrieved from https://www.ahrq.gov/questions/index.html
3. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. (2024). Health Literacy and Communication in Healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/patient-and-consumer-centred-care/health-literacy
