“During visits, patients are sometimes nervous and distracted,’’ said Dr. Tarika James, chief medical officer, Harmony Healthcare Long Island. “They may forget some of the questions they have. Thinking about this ahead of time is a great way to be sure you get all of your questions answered.’’

And don’t worry about the doctor being too busy to answer your questions. Doctors want to give you the information you need to manage your health and treatment. They can also refer you to nurses or other staff in the office who can answer your questions.

You should also know about a program called Health Home. This program is for Medicaid patients with ongoing (chronic) health problems, like diabetes. The program provides someone who can coordinate your medical care and take care of other things, like transportation to your medical appointments. Ask your doctor about this program.

“There should be a partnership between you and your primary care provider,’’ Dr. James said. “That’s why it is so important to have open and honest conversations about any fears or issues. This way, your provider can make the most accurate decisions that are best for you.’’