How To Prepare for Your Appointment

A notebook can help you keep track of questions and issues that you’d like to discuss at appointments. Having a journal of the symptoms you have been experiencing, including frequency and time frame, can help your provider better diagnose you. Aim to bring your notes to appointments to help you remember everything you would like to discuss. If you’re not feeling well enough to write everything down, ask someone to help. You can also use a health tracking app on a smartphone or tablet.

This notebook can include:

• Questions
• Side effects or symptom tracking
• A list of supplements and medications you are taking

Find out if there will be enough time to get all of your questions answered in one appointment or if you should schedule an appointment to talk through everything. Also, ask if email is better or should you schedule time with a nurse. Ask these types of questions upfront during your first appointment so you and your doctor can maintain a productive relationship.

It is hard to manage all of the information and emotions. A family member or friend can be very helpful as an extra set of ears, to help take notes, and to discuss what you heard or remember things you might forget.

You can plan for things like a ride to medical appointments, help with dinner, or childcare.

This will help you remember what your doctor said and you can share this with your caregivers who may not have been able to attend the appointment with you. As a courtesy, you should let your doctor know you are recording the appointment. It’s unlikely they will have any issues with this, but it’s always nice to know when you’re being recorded.