1.
Write down your questions. Before you arrive,
write down the questions you want to ask the doctor.
This gives you time to think clearly and helps you make
the most of your time in the exam room.
2.
Keep a list of your symptoms. If you’re
experiencing symptoms of illness, it’s a good idea to
keep a journal for a few days. For instance, if you
sometimes feel dizzy, write down when and how often. If
your stomach is upset, write down what you ate that day
and when.
3. Bring your
medications.
Bring all the medicines you are currently taking with
you to the doctor’s office. If that’s not practical,
make a list of the medications, the dosages, and how
often you take each one. Your provider will need to
know this information to avoid duplicating your medicine
and to be sure new medicines don’t cause a problem.
4. Bring a family
member or a friend.
While it’s not always possible to bring someone with you
to the doctor, it can give you an extra set of ears and
eyes. Medical information can be confusing and hard to
remember, especially when you don’t feel well. You
might also consider bringing a notepad and pen to jot
down the information you need to remember.
5. Inform your
doctor about allergies.
Note any allergies you have on your medical forms, and
also tell your doctor about them. Keep a list in your
wallet in case of emergencies.
6. Ask questions.
If you don’t understand something the doctor tells you,
ask, and ask again! Good communication between you and
your physician is vital to your good medical care.
7. Understand you
discharge instructions.
Make sure you know what you need to do when you leave
the office. If your doctor has prescribed medication,
be sure that you know what it is, what it’s for, when
you need to take it, and for how long. If your doctor
has prescribed additional tests, understand what they
are for and where you need to have them performed. If
you need to come back for a follow-up visit, make sure
you make the appointment before you leave. Likewise, if
your doctor has referred you to another specialist, find
out if the doctor’s office will make that appointment
for you or if you are supposed to handle that.
8. Check your
prescriptions.
If your provider prescribes new medication, check it
carefully when you pick it up at the pharmacy. Make
sure the medicine is exactly what your doctor
prescribed.
9. Call when
necessary.
If you experience new symptoms or have a reaction to the
medication your doctor prescribed, call his or her
office. A nurse may be able to answer your questions or
have the doctor call if necessary.
10. Do your part.
Follow your doctor’s orders! Take medication as
prescribed and do whatever your physician told you to
do. Remember, certain medications such as antibiotics
must be taken for the full length of time prescribed in
order to be effective.