At the Medical Visit

Using the PACE System

We all know how challenging it can be to get what we need in a medical visit these days. There isn’t enough time and often we don’t get a chance to ask all the questions we have.

Sometimes we leave the visit confused, or realize when we get home that some of the information the provider gave us is unclear. After years of research with patients and doctors, Dr. Donald J. Cegala, professor of Communication and Family Medicine at Ohio State University, created the PACE system — a set of four communication skills that will help you get the most understanding and satisfaction from a visit with your provider.

PACE stands for:

• Presenting detailed information about how you feel
• Asking questions if desired information is not provided
• Checking your understanding of information that is given to you
• Expressing any concern about the recommended treatment

Click on a menu above to find out more about the PACE techniques.