During Your Doctor Visit
When you visit the doctor, it is important for you to be open and honest about
your symptoms (including their frequency and severity), how you currently
manage your symptoms, and your lifestyle. The more accurate the information
your doctor receives from you, the more likely he or she will be able to make
an accurate diagnosis of your condition. Use the following tips for talking
with your health care provider:
Review your symptom diary
Bring your symptom diary to your visit and share it with your
doctor. This will provide your doctor with valuable information and will help
identify any patterns or triggers you may not have noticed.
Ask your questions at the beginning of your visit
Bring the list of questions you wrote before your doctor visit
and ask them at the beginning of your visit. Be sure to ask follow-up questions
if your doctor says something you do not understand. Bring a pen and notepad to
write down your doctor’s answers to your questions.
Understand the recommended treatment options and tests
If your doctor recommends a treatment, make sure that you fully
understand why it is being recommended and what medication (if any) you will be
taking. If the doctor prescribes a medication, ask how you should take the
medicine, how long you need to take it, when you should see results and if
there are any side effects. If your doctor recommends further testing, be sure
that you feel comfortable with what will happen during the procedure.
Schedule a follow-up visit
At the end of your appointment, ask your doctor when you should
schedule a follow-up visit. Continue to track your progress using the symptom
diary and bring it to your follow-up visit to discuss with your doctor.