FOR ALL MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS

Since time with most doctors is very limited, preparation is required to get what you need.

• If your insurance plan requires that you get approval before you meet with a doctor, get the approval.
• Get a recorder to take with you to the meeting - even routine meetings. (You may already have one in your mobile phone).
  • Make sure the batteries are charged.
  • Practice with the recorder to learn how close the speaker has to be to be sure to capture everything that is said. 
• Learn about your health condition. Medicine is not nuclear physics. It helps save time and makes the conversation more precise - especially if you learn the medical terms for your diagnosis and symptoms.
• Prepare:
  • A list of your questions and concerns. Prioritize the list in case you do not get to ask all the questions. (Survivorship A to Z provides a Prioritizer where you can make notes as you think of questions and concerns, then push a button and prioritize them before going to the meeting). 
  • A list of changes in your physical condition and symptoms since your last meeting.
  • An update of your List Of Medications.
• If you are going to ask the doctor about research you've done or information you've learned, make a copy for the doctor or write down the citation where it can be found. If there is time, consider mailing the doctor a copy of the documents ahead of time so he or she has time to review the information before the meeting.
• Consider taking with you a friend or other person to act as as a patient advocate.
• Be prepared to give the new doctor information about your health history is very important for getting proper treatment.
  • Include diagnosis and previous treatments, if any, and symptoms.
  • Give honest answers to questions. Do not be embarrassed or worry that the doctor may not approve of some part of your medical or social history.
• Arrange for help if language is a barrier.
• If you wear glasses, take them. If you use a hearing aide, be sure it is in working order. You want to be able to see the doctor and anything he or she wants to show you. You, of course, also want to hear the doctor.
• Have stuff to do in the waiting room.

FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DOCTOR YOU HAVE SEEN BEFORE

If you normally take tests during an appointment, arrange with the doctor's office to take the tests ahead of time so you can discuss the results at the appointment.

Prepare a summary of what has happened since your last visit -- including symptoms, treatments, whether or not you took your drugs or otherwise followed a prescribed regimen, changes in your drugs and affect on your daily and work activities. 

Think through what will be helpful to maximize your time together.

FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DOCTOR YOU HAVE NEVER SEEN BEFORE

Think through what will be needed to maximize your time together, such as test results.

Be honest when giving your medical and social history.

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