So your planning a trip to the doctor, perhaps you are not looking forward to the visit. Here are some tips to help you help yourself while visiting the doctor. First of all, it can be very helpful to write down your questions for the doctor before your visit. If possible take someone with you to your appointment. This can help with moral support as well as to have an additional person listening to what the doctor is telling you.
Symptoms/Concerns
- Why am I having these symptoms?
- What does it mean?
- What is the source or the problem?
- What other symptoms should I be looking for?
- What should I do if I experience these symptoms?
Follow Up
- How soon will I have to follow up?
- Will I have to have tests?
- What kind of tests?
- What will these tests determine?
- Do I have to do any special preparation for the tests?
Treatment
- What can I do to help the situation?
- Do I need to make changes?
- What type of changes will help?
- What are my options?
Medications
- Do I have to take new medications?
- How long do I have to take these medications?
- How will these medications help me?
- What are the possible side effects?
- Will this medication have reverse effects because of other medications?
Recommendations
- What do you recommend at this time?
- What should I do if I don’t agree with the recommendations?
- Where can I receive additional information on this issue?
