Visiting your doctor

Plan the visit to the doctor.

Your health is your responsibility. The more you help your doctor, the more your doctor can help you.

We have listed common questions that people ask their doctors as well as ideas on planning before, during and after visiting the doctor.

1. Why are you visiting them? Write down the details, including what you are seeing them for, when they started and what makes them better or worse.
2. It is hard to remember things when you are with the doctor so a list of questions or points you want to talk about can be a good idea. Write down any and all questions that you have. This way you can ask them if you want to. They can help you get better care and can help you feel better about it.
3. Prepare copies of your medical records that include the lab, imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI) and other studies done related to the condition for which you are obtaining care.
4. List or bring all your medicines and pills to your doctor – including vitamins and supplements.
5. Ask the hospital or clinic for an interpreter or communication support if needed

1. Take with you copies of your medical records that include the lab, imaging (x-ray, CT, MRI) and other studies done related to the condition for which you are obtaining care.
2. Answer the doctor's questions truthfully. Your care will be based on the information you give your doctor.
3. Ask any questions that you have. Use your list if you made one.
4. Ask your doctor to explain anything you didn't understand or if you are confused.
5. Make notes. They can help you remember and get better care.

1. Check your list to make sure you talked about everything you wanted to.
2. Ask for a written summary of the recommendations if you want it.
3. Make sure you understand what your doctor wants you to do.
4. Make sure you know if you need to see your doctor again and when.
5. About support groups and where to go for reliable information
6. Ask who to contact if you have more questions

1. Write down what your doctor asked you to do and what you need to do next
2. Book or note any tests you have and any preparations you need to make for them (e.g. fasting)
3. Note down the time and dates for the tests and any follow up visits

1. What is my diagnosis?
2. What are my treatment options?
3. What are the benefits of each treatment option?
4. What are the side effects of each treatment option?
5. Will I need a test? What is the test for? What will the results tell me? How do I prepare for my test?
6. How will I hear about my test results?
7. What will the medicine you are prescribing do? How do I take it? Are there any side effects?
8. Why do I need surgery? Are there other ways to treat my condition? How often do you perform this surgery?
9. What outcome should I expect?
10. Do I need to change my daily routine?
11. Is there anything I can do on my own to improve my condition?
12. How much will this cost me?
13. What questions haven’t I asked that I should have?
14. Can I contact you if I have more questions later?
15. How can I contact you if I have an emergency or side effects?