- What is the problem?:Do you know why you are seeing the clinician?Were you referred for a specific problem?Do you have a "laundry list" of complaints?Try to focus on the one thing that bothers you most or is most important.
We often cannot address everything in one visit and it is helpful if we don't have to spend a significant amount of time negotiating priorities. - Rehearse the story:We are taught to think about the "seven dimensions of illness" including:
- Timing:When did symptoms start?How often do they occur?Are they constant or intermittent?
- Location: Where are the symptoms?Be specific.
Can you point with a single finger? - Quality:What type of pain are you having?There is a difference between a dull ache, electric shock, and sharp pain.
- Severity: While the "1-to-10" scale is helpful, it is also important to know how this is limiting your function.
- Aggravating factors:What things make your symptoms worse?
- Alleviating factors: What makes them better?What treatments have you tried?
- Associated signs and symptoms:What other symptoms have you noticed that seem connected (e.
g.
a fever with a sore throat)?
- Know your history.
Bring a list of medical problems, hospitalizations, and surgeries.
Your belly pain today could be related to the appendectomy you had many years ago because of scarring in the belly.
It also means it's not your appendix causing the problem today. - Know your medications.
Bring a printed list of your medications.
Make sure spelling is accurate.
There is a big difference between Levatol and Labetalol or other similar names.
Know the doses and timing for each medication.
Medications come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors which vary between brand names and generics.
We cannot make a list of medications from descriptions such as "the little white pill.
" - Have you been treated elsewhere?There is an assumption that clinics will forward records and images when a patient is referred, but this is almost never the case.
It is up to the patient to make sure all the information and images are available for each visit. - Who should come to the appointment?If possible, leave small children with a sitter.
It can be difficult to discuss a medical problem when you are constantly attending a screaming baby.
Also, bring someone, such as a spouse, who may add to your history or help you remember instructions. - Show up early!There is often paperwork, x-rays, or labworks to be done.
If you show up late, you will put the clinician behind for the rest of the day.
If you are late, it can make other patients wait longer. - Turn off your cell phone.
Even the sound of it ringing is distracting. - Ask questions.
The more informed you are about your healthcare, the more likely you are to adhere to the treatment regimen and have a good outcome.
Bring a notebook and notepad to record your doctor's answers and instructions.