How do you prepare for a visit with your doctor?

How are you sure you’ll get what you need out of every visit?

First, determine what it is you want to accomplish during your visit. Second, be prepared to share all pertinent information with your doctor and identify all the questions you have to make the most of your visit. Then, before your visit is over, be sure to summarize what you’ve discussed with your doctor to ensure you don’t have any follow-up questions and more importantly, that you are clear about any instructions you might have received.

First: What do you want to accomplish during your visit?

1. What would you like to accomplish during your time with your doctor? Write it down prior to your visit and bring your notes with you.
2. Are you having a specific problem?
3. Are you worried about anything in particular?
4. Do you have questions about your medication(s)?
5. Are you concerned about something at home?
6. Are you concerned about a future problem?

Try to write down a maximum of three questions for your visit.

Second: How do you prepare for your visit?

There are some items that you will want to bring with you to all office visits or to the hospital. Consider creating your own “medical notebook”. This can be hand-written or in an electronic file that you can easily access –like a notes app on your smartphone. Your notes should include:

1. Your medical and surgical history that includes a list of your prior medical history, surgical procedures, and current medical problems.
2. A list of the current medications you are taking including dosages, the time of day you take them, and any allergies you might have. Also include contact information for your preferred pharmacy.
3. Your personal contact information as well as contact information for your family.
4. Your health care insurance information.
5. Details about what you would want if you cannot make decisions for yourself (advanced directives) and the name of the person who you choose to make decisions on your behalf if needed (health care surrogate).

Third: Summarize your visit with the doctor.

1. Identify any tests that need to be done.
2. Confirm the schedule for any tests that need to be done and what you need to do to prepare for these tests.
3. Identify any changes to your medications.
4. Identify changes in other treatments such as physical therapy or diet.
5. Schedule your next visit.
6. Confirm the best way to contact your doctor or their office – online via an office portal like MyChart, email, phone, or some other way?

Being proactive about your health care allows you to get the most out of every visit to ensure you enjoy a fuller, healthier life. Remember, if your doctor doesn’t know about a problem you are having, it’s almost impossible for him/her to help fix it.

Dr. Robert Goldszer is the Chief Medical Officer at Mount Sinai Medical Center. His focus is on quality of patient care, education and innovative research.