Checklist: Things to Do Before, During, and After a Medical Appointment

Visiting your doctor is not a top desire but it is necessary for maintaining your basic health. Whether you are having an annual visit or a monthly visit it is a good idea to prepare for your visit which will save you time and money. A medical visit is only good if you take the time to examine the reason for the visit and how to make the most out of it.

1. Verify/confirm your medical appointment the week before since it is possible that the date and time was incorrectly entered into a calendar. Also, make a note of the person with whom you made the confirmation.


2. Asks about any specific requirements for the appointment. Examples are prior lab or xray results, a list of current/recent presciption and non-prescription medications including vitamins, minerals, and herbs.


3. Speak with your immediate relatives to determine any recent diagnoses such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. Keep the conversation light and let them know why you need this information and make sure that you family member has the time to speak since if he/she is in a rush important information can be missed.


4. During the appointment, listen closely to what your health care provider is telling you and take notes. Confirm the reason for any possible medications, labs, or xrays. Also, discuss and review any existing health concerns such as blurred vision, headaches, or vomiting. A provider can only help if honestly and trust is established. Remember to discuss any future concerns such as international travel, future pregnancy, or possible cosmetic surgery.


5. After your appointment, schedule the next appointment while at the doctor's office and take any referral forms needed for addtional providers to prevent yourself from backtracking. Follow any treatment plans as prescribed. For example, if the provider needs to see you in two weeks, then keep the appointment.

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