[header] How to remember what your doctor tells you after an appointment [title] Bring along a trusted friend. [step] It can be helpful and comforting to bring a trusted friend or relative with you to your doctor's appointment, especially if you are very ill or if you are worried that you might get some bad news. [substeps] Additionally, that friend can listen to and/or take notes during your appointment. 
A friend acts as a second set of eyes and ears. This reduces patient-provider miscommunication.