Get the most of the time spent with the Doctor
Patients and their caregivers can help prepare for doctor's appointments. The following suggestions may help the patients derive the maximum benefit and satisfaction from their visit to the doctor.
Before the Appointment
- Check on the specialist physician or surgeon's qualifications and degrees to ensure that their specialty is appropriate to treat your condition. To learn more see Qualified Specialist
- Take a friend or family member with you for the visit.
- Maintain a file with chronological information on the patient's symptoms, tests, prior procedures and operations with the dates. Bring the documents with you for the doctor's appointment.
- Maintain a list of the current medications taken by the patient including their names, strength and doses (in milligrams).
- If the patient's diagnosis is known you may consider reading about the condition on the internet from a reliable source such as a government or national agency. You may bring a printout of the relevant sections to discuss with the doctor or ask questions. Be informed to get the most out of the time spent with the doctor. Ask the right questions.
- Make a list of questions for the dcotor pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment choices and prognosis of the patient. Prior to the appointment, the family may discuss amongst themselves the important questions they would like to ask.
- Take a notepad to the appointment and write the important information give by the doctor.
During the Appointment
- Speak honestly and do not miss details pertaining to your condition. Do not hold back from discussing issues important to you out of concern that they may waste the doctor's time. Ask as many questions as you need to.
- Ask specific questions pertaining to diagnosis, treatment, alternate treatment options, treatment-related outcome, side-effects, long-term prognosis particularly, in cases of cancer. If further clarification is required, do not hesitate to ask that the information be repeated.
- Discuss the estimated costs, financial limitations of the patient and coverage by medical insurance if available.
- Before leaving the office ask the doctor what is the best way of contacting them should further questions come up - by email or telephone.