Making the Most of Your Doctor's Appointments

Preparing for a doctor’s appointment can help you and your doctor make the most of your time together. By being organized and prepared, it can help you stay focused and avoid feeling rushed during your appointment.

Here are just a few simple ideas to help you make the most of your next doctor’s appointment.

Make a list before you go:

1. Main reason you need an appointment, which may include: Annual Check up, Sick visit including symptoms*, Lab work follow up, Specialist follow up, other.

2. Current Symptoms, including the date it started.

3. Questions for the Doctor or Practitioner.

Show up organized to your appointment

-Be a few minutes early.

-Bring your medicines and supplements. (take the bottles with you if you haven’t been there in a while). Another option is to take a close up picture of the label with your smartphone.

Get information during your appointment:

1. Learn how to access Patient Portals on the computer.

2. Write down follow-up instructions from Doctor.

3. Get a copy of any lab or test results you had done.

4. Write down your next doctor's appointment date and time.

Communicate to the office staff a few details of the reason you are coming so they can know how much time to schedule your visit.

I can help you and your loved one to organize your health information to be more prepared for your next medical appointment. I can also help you better understand your medical diagnosis, treatment options and health goals. By being organized and more knowledgeable for your health visits, you can be your best health advocate.

*symptoms:

Date symptom started?

What does it feel like? (location on body, burning, dull, dizziness)

When does it occur?( with activity, bedtime, eating)

Does anything make it worse or better? (rest, movement, eat certain food or time)