Talking with Physicians & Providers

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, use the Ask Me 3 questions to better understand your health.

Good Questions for Patients' Good Health

Because clear communication is the foundation for patients to be able to understand and act on health information, Iowa Health System has launched its first solution-based initiative from its action agenda, titled Ask Me 3.

Asking 3 is a quick, effective tool designed to improve health communication between patients and providers.

Through patient and provider education materials developed by leading health literacy experts Ask Me 3 promotes three simple but essential questions that patients should ask their providers in every health care interaction.

What is my main problem?
What do I need to do?
Why is it important for me to do this?

Every time you talk with a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, use the Ask Me 3 questions to better understand your health. Asking these questions can help you: Take care of your health, prepare for medical tests and take your medicines the right way.

Interpreter Services

Trimark provides free interpretation services for a variety of languages including American Sign Language. These services are available for a patient, family member or employee upon request. It is our intent to provide equal access to, and equal participation in, health care treatment and education for persons with hearing, vision, language, speech, or cognitive impairments, and for persons with Limited English Proficiency (LEP).

Requesting/Scheduling an Interpreter

If an interpreter is needed please ask to schedule this service at the time an appointment is made.
Foreign language interpreting will occur via telephone using Certified Languages International. American Sign Language will be provided via webcam using Lifelinks. An interpreter will be scheduled in person upon request if arrangements can be made.

* Please note that messages left after business hours will not be addressed until the next business day.