Using Health Cards
in a Clinical Setting
The American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association, and the American Heart Association have
designed a “health card” intended to be used in a clinical setting to encourage communication between a
patient and a provider in an effort to increase: the patient’s knowledge of appropriate screenings, the public’s
understanding about the clinical role for prevention, and the number of people being screened. Since health
cards are intended to help facilitate a conversation between a patient and a provider, we do not suggest allowing
patients to take the cards home. Instead, please use the tear-away sheets that the health care provider can
complete for each patient. The flow chart below helps explain the process of using the cards in a clinical setting.
It is recommended that 10 cards be placed in the stand, which can be located in the waiting room or exam room.
The health care
provider invites you to
review the card while you
are waiting and to take it
into the exam room with
you, if you like.
Patient
exposed
to card in
the waiting
room
Patient
exposed
to card in
the exam
room
Patient picks
up card and
brings to
the exam
room
The health care provider
invites you to review the
card while you are waiting.
Dialogue:
Dialogue:
Appropriate staff can invite patients to review
the health card in the waiting room or exam room.
Health care provider asks
adult patients whether
they picked up the card and
if they have any questions
Use “Display Only”
stamp or sticker on
materials you do not
want removed from
the waiting room or
exam room (health
test cards, pop-up
stands, etc.).
Dialogue:
Suggestion:
Did you see the health test card today? It contains
important information about tests that can help you
determine your risk for the most common chronic
diseases or detect them early, so you can increase
chances for a longer, healthier life.
Do you have any questions about the tests? Let’s
discuss these tests and others to decide which ones
are right for you. You may need certain tests earlier or
more often if you are at higher-than-average risk.
Visit everydaychoices.org to learn more.
©2014, American Cancer Society, Inc.,
American Diabetes Association,
and American Heart Association
No.070824