Pre-Appointment Checklist Essentials

Here’s a checklist of essential things to have written down before a doctor’s appointment — 

especially if you have complex or chronic conditions, or multiple ongoing issues:

1. Your Main Concerns / Agenda

• List your top 3 concerns or goals for the visit (ranked by importance).
   

Example:

• 1. Discuss worsening joint pain

  2. Review medication side effects

  3. Ask about physical therapy referral

This helps you stay focused and ensures the doctor addresses your priorities.

2. Current Medications and Supplements

Include:

• Medication name

• Dosage (e.g., 4.5 mg daily)

• How often you take it

• Who prescribed it

• Any side effects or changes

💡 Tip: Bring the medication bottles or a printed list — doctors appreciate visual confirmation.

3. Diagnoses and Key Medical History

• List all current diagnoses (with approximate diagnosis dates if known)

• Note any recent test results or hospitalizations

• Include major surgeries, procedures, or imaging

• Mention allergies and reactions (especially medication allergies)
  
  

4. Symptom Tracker or Daily Notes

Write down:

• When symptoms started

• How often they occur

• What makes them better or worse

• Any new or unusual patterns

• A 1–10 pain/fatigue scale if applicable

💡 Tip: Use a journal or phone app to track daily changes and bring it with you.

5. Questions for Your Doctor

Examples:

• “Is there a test or lab that could explain my symptoms?”

• “Are there alternatives to this medication?”

• “What side effects should I watch for?”

• “When should I follow up or call you?”

💡 Tip: Write them in order of importance — sometimes time runs short.

6. Supporting Documents

Bring copies of:

• Specialist reports

• Lab or imaging results

• Letters from other providers

• Prior authorization/insurance letters (if discussing coverage)

• Recent vital signs or test logs (e.g., blood pressure, glucose, HRV, etc.)

7. Insurance or Administrative Info

• Updated insurance card(s)

• Case or authorization numbers if discussing coverage issues

• Documentation for disability, FMLA, or medical necessity forms if needed

8. Brief Personal Summary (Optional but Powerful)

If you have complex health issues, bring a short written summary (1 page max) that includes:

• Diagnoses

• Major medications

• Key specialists

• Triggers or sensitivities

• Emergency info (e.g., “POTS—risk of syncope,” “EDS—handle joints carefully”)

This helps new or busy doctors quickly understand your background.