Do I need my doctor's permission to record my appointment?

Consent rules vary by state and country, and some clinics have their own policies. In the US, twelve states require everyone's consent to record a phone call. The simplest approach is to tell your doctor you'd like to record for your personal reference before you start. This is general information, not legal advice.

Will Wave transcribe medical terminology accurately?

Wave transcribes most medical terms well on clear audio, but drug names and complex terminology can need a check. Add medications and conditions you hear often to Wave's custom vocabulary, and always confirm important instructions with your healthcare provider.

Can I share the recording with a family member?

Yes. You can share a Wave session by link, or export the transcript or AI summary and send it by text, email, or any messaging app.

Can I use Wave on an iPhone during the appointment?

Yes. Wave's iPhone app starts recording with one tap and keeps recording with the screen locked. Keep the phone on the desk and let Wave capture the conversation.

Record Your Doctor Appointments and Never Forget a Thing

Q: Is Wave secure for sensitive health information?

Wave is SOC 2 Type 1 compliant for the Security criteria, with encryption at rest and in transit. Wave is HIPAA compliant. Wave signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with healthcare organizations on a Wave Teams plan. Providers, practices, and health systems need that BAA in place before any patient conversations or other protected health information go into Wave. Individuals may use Wave to record their own appointments for personal reference, subject to recording-consent laws.

Last updated: November 3, 2026

To record a doctor appointment on iPhone, open Wave AI, tap record, and set the phone on the desk. Wave transcribes the visit and summarizes diagnoses, medications, and next steps for your personal reference. It also works on Android and Apple Watch, free to start.

How to record your own doctor appointment

How do I record a doctor appointment on my iPhone?

Tell your doctor you'd like to record for your own notes, tap record in Wave, and put the phone where it can hear both of you. Wave keeps recording with the screen off. Afterward you get a transcript and a summary of what was said.

Ask at the start: "Do you mind if I record this so I can remember the instructions?"
Open Wave on your iPhone (or Android phone, or Apple Watch) and tap record. Lock the screen if you like; Wave keeps recording.
Stop when the visit ends. Wave transcribes it and writes a summary of diagnoses, medications, instructions, and follow-ups.
Check anything important with your care team, and share the summary with family or a caregiver if you choose.

Do I need my doctor's permission to record?

For phone calls in the US, federal law and 38 states plus DC need only one person's consent, while twelve states require everyone's; in-person rules can differ. Clinics can also set their own policies. Asking first is simplest and keeps the visit friendly. This is general information, not legal advice.

One-party and all-party consent states

Wave and health information

Wave is HIPAA compliant. Wave signs a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with healthcare organizations on a Wave Teams plan. Providers, practices, and health systems need that BAA in place before any patient conversations or other protected health information go into Wave. Individuals may use Wave to record their own appointments for personal reference, subject to recording-consent laws.

The problems you know too well

You Forget Half of What the Doctor Says

Medical information is dense, and appointment anxiety makes it worse. Wave records the conversation so you can review your doctor's instructions calmly at home.

Handwritten Notes Are Incomplete

Scribbling while a doctor explains a diagnosis means you miss details. Wave records the full conversation so nothing gets lost.

Sharing Updates with Family Is Hard

When a loved one asks what the doctor said, you struggle to remember the details. Wave gives you a transcript to reference and share.

Features

Everything you need to capture every conversation

Simple One-Tap Recording

Open Wave and tap record at the start of your appointment, or start from your Apple Watch or Wear OS watch. No complicated setup.

Automatic Transcription

Wave transcribes your appointment recording into text, labeled by speaker, so you can read what was said anytime.

AI Summary of Key Points

Get a clear summary with diagnoses discussed, instructions given, medications mentioned, and follow-up steps.

Search Your Appointment History

Find what a doctor said at any past appointment by searching your library, or ask Wave a question across your visits — helpful for ongoing care.

Share with Family or Caregivers

Export summaries or transcripts to share with a family member, caregiver, or second-opinion doctor.

Works on iPhone and Android

Wave is available on iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, and Wear OS — use it at any appointment with no special equipment.

Perfect for

Recording primary care appointmentsSpecialist consultation notesFollowing up on test results discussionsPre-surgery briefingsMedication instruction captureSharing appointment details with family caregivers

FAQs

Common questions

All The Ways to Wave: Every Device, Every Scenario, One App

The complete guide to recording with Wave — iPhone, Android, Apple Watch, Wear OS, Desktop, Chrome Extension, Meeting Bots, Phone Calls, Web App, and Import. Every way to capture, transcribe, and summarize your conversations.

Record from Your Wrist: Wave on Apple Watch

Wave now records directly from your Apple Watch — no iPhone needed nearby. Tap record, capture a conversation, and it syncs automatically.