Preparing for Your Appointment

Before the visit

Collect the following information before your visit. Take it with you to your appointment.

• Gather any medical records for previous treatment for the same or a similar problem.
• Make a list of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking.

During the visit

• State your main problem or reason for your visit.
• Describe your symptoms.
• Describe your past experiences with this problem.
• State how this problem is affecting your life.

After the visit

Write down:

• What your health professional thinks the problem might be.
• What you might expect to happen next.
• What you can do to manage your problem at home.

Questions to ask about medicines, tests, and treatments

• What is the name of the medicine, test, or treatment?
• Why is it needed?
• What are the risks?
• What are potential side effects?
• Are there alternatives?
• How much does it cost?
• Is the cost of the medicine covered by my insurance?
• What will happen if I decide not to have treatment?
• How do I take this medicine?
• How will this medicine react with other medicines I am taking?
• How do I prepare for each test or treatment?

Questions to ask at the end of your visit

• When should I return for another visit?
• When will test results be available?
  • Should I contact you or will you contact me?
  • Be sure to ask for copies of any test results.
• Are there any danger signs that I need to look for?
• What else do I need to know?

For more information, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.