Getting the Most Out of Your Office Visit

To get the most out of your visit to the doctor, you need to be an active and respected participant in your health care.

Be organized. Prepare a list of what you'd like to see addressed.
Bring a written list of specific symptoms, including their duration and frequency and any associated factors. List methods you used for relief, and whether they worked. Bring a written list of questions and concerns regarding your illness.
Be realistic. Focus on matters of greatest concern to you.
Bring in a list of your medications.
Get copies of records from other clinics to avoid repeated tests.
Be honest. If you use drugs, large amounts of caffeine, are at high risk for STDs or if you are having problems at home, TELL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.
Acquire information on your illness from books, the Internet or organizations specific to your illness. Share what you've learned with your health care provider, who can assist you in determining the accuracy of the information.

What exactly is the illness/disease? Remember that health care providers are human, and uncertainty is a reality of health care. If your provider is unsure of the diagnosis, he/she can speculate on the possible and most likely causes of your symptoms, and tell you how concerned they are. If they doubt your problem is significant, they can tell you why.
What is not working properly? Why?
What caused the problem? How did I get it?
How was the diagnosis reached?
How certain is the diagnosis?
Is this a chronic (long-term) condition?
What are the best, worst, and most likely things that can happen?
What types of things can I do to keep it from getting worse or to make it better?
What is the treatment plan?
What follow-up will I need?
How long will it be before I feel better?
What symptoms would indicate the condition is worsening? Any specific symptoms I should watch for or be concerned about? What do I do if it happens?
Do I have to limit my activities? Which ones?

What is the name of the medication?
Why do I need it?
How and when should it be taken?
How long should it be taken?
What benefits should I expect? How soon?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What side effects are likely? Are there possible serious side effects? What do I do if I experience side effects?
Are there any food, beverages or other drugs I should not take with this medication? Why?
How much will it cost? Are there alternatives which are more cost-effective (generic or another drug)?

Get a second opinion if you question anything. The first may be right, but it will make you feel better verifying it.
Surgery or experimental treatments are worth a second opinion as they require a major investment of time and money.
Don't feel that you are insulting your health care provider by asking for a referral.

Follow the prescribed therapy.
Call your health care provider if the expected results do not occur.
Research your illness. Find out as much as you can about the possible treatments.

Remember prevention is the key to good health. Think about your diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol use, drugs, environmental and occupational risks. Assess your risks and minimize them.
Take good care of yourself. Make healthy food choices, exercise regularly and take all medications as directed.
Observe and record your symptoms. Your record of symptoms will help both you and your health care provider make an accurate diagnosis.
Prepare for office visits. The better organized you are, the more value you can get from the visit. Document your symptoms, questions and concerns.
Play an active role in the medical visit. State your main concern, describe your symptoms, and share your hunches and fears.
Be honest and straightforward.
If your doctor gives a diagnosis, prescribes a drug or recommends a test or treatment, ask questions to get more information.
Take notes during visits. Write down all pertinent information.

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