There are a number of things you can do to prepare for your doctor appointment, regardless of the reason for the visit. If you’re seeing your doctor for something specific or if it is for a simple annual wellness exam, you should still prepare to make the best out of the time spent together.
Start by seeing your family doctor. Family doctors treat a wide range of conditions and can (and should) be your primary care physician throughout your life. This kind of relationship means your family doctor knows your personal and family history, which helps them when diagnosing your health conditions.
If you don’t have a primary physician, we can help! Contact us here.
What YOU Can Do
Once you have established a primary care physician, there are a few things you can do to help you get the most out of your appointment. If you’re experiencing something specific, or even if you’re just going in for a general annual exam, follow these guidelines:
List Your Symptoms. Regardless of the situation, you should list out any symptoms that may be related or unrelated. Your doctor is here to help you, and now is your time to tell them what you’ve been feeling.
Detail Key Information. That is, personal information that you feel is important for your doctor to know.
List Your Meds, Vitamins and Supplements. Make list of all these that you are taking.
Prepare a List of Questions. Often times, doctor appointments may be brief. Preparing a list of questions to ask your doctor can help both of you get the most out of your time together. Examples may be:
- What can I do to prevent this from happening?
- What should I work on improving for my next visit?
- What internet sources can I trust?
- When should I come see you again?
- If my symptoms worse, what should I do on my own?
If you are experiencing something specific, it would be a good idea to prepare a list of questions regarding that problem, such as:
- What is the likely cause of ____?
- Is it contagious?
- Do I need tests? If so, what kidns?
- Do I need a follow-up appointment?
- What are the treatments for ____?
If you are ever unsure of how to prepare for your doctor’s appointment or if you have specific questions, you can always call the doctor’s office and ask. You can reach our office at 801-724-9840. We look forward to seeing you!