2. Before your appointment, review the issues you discussed at your last visit with your doctor. Did the appropriate follow-up occur?
3. Make a list of your medical conditions, noting your understanding of the treatment plan for each of them. Between visits, make a note of any physical observations or changes in your symptoms or condition. Be sure to bring your notes to the doctor’s attention during your visit.
4. Make a list of all your medications: prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and any supplements you take regularly. Include the dosage, how often you take each medication, and who prescribed them. Make a note of any changes in your medication regimen since your last visit. Check your prescription labels. Do you have adequate refills or will you need a new prescription?
5. Review any visits you made to other doctors since your last visit with your primary care doctor and explain the outcome of those visits.
6. Make a list of any questions you have for your doctor and bring them to your appointment.
7. Have someone you trust accompany you to your appointment. They can take notes to help you remember the details of your discussion. You can also ask for a copy of the doctor’s notes.
8. Once you get to see the doctor, at the beginning of the visit describe what you want to get out of your time together. For example: “Dr. Smith, during this appointment, I want to review all of my medical conditions and the treatment plan for each of them. I would also like to go over my list of medications to be sure they are necessary, that the dosages are appropriate and to make sure that they are all compatible with each other.”
9. Ask your doctor how you can communicate with him/her between visits. Be sure to find out how the medical practice responds to telephone calls from patients.
10. At the end of your appointment, summarize the discussion you had with your doctor to ensure all your questions are answered, your prescriptions are in order, and that you know what to do to educate yourself about your health. This short summary will help you feel satisfied with the outcome of your visit with your primary care physician.
