Appointment Tips

Here are some suggestions on how you can get the most out of your appointment when you visit your doctor:

• Take control and responsibility for your life so others can help you.
• Take notes.
• Know your health care provider's name and city/location.
• Write down questions prior to your appointment in list format and bring it with you.
• Keep a current list of your medications which should include medication name, dosage number of pills taken each time, and how many times taken on a daily basis.
• Keep a copy of the list in your wallet as well as wherever you keep prescription medications in your home.
• Make changes to your medication list when prescriptions change.
• Know in general the condition for which you are being treated and why it is important to have treatment.
• Ask your health care provider about complications of treatment.
• Ask what are the potential side effects of medication.
• Ask what are the warning signs of disease progression/worsening of condition.
• Answer your health care provider's questions carefully and honestly.
• When possible know your family history especially 1st degree relatives (mother, father, sister, brother).
• Take notes.
• When in doubt call your health care provider or emergency medical services.
• If you have a home digital blood pressure monitor bring it to your appointment so that it can be compared to the blood pressure taken by hand.