Prepare for Your Next Doctor’s Visit & 5 Questions to Ask
Written by Marin Campbell, PT, DPT, RYT-200
Going to the doctor can be confusing, overwhelming, or even scary—especially if you have a specific health concern. And often the appointment seems to go by so quickly! Take a moment to prepare for your visit and make the difference between confusion and contentment.
Prepare for Your Doctor’s Visit
Know the main reason for your appointment and have your list of questions and concerns printed, written, or loaded on your phone.
If you’re seeing your doctor for a specific complaint, think about when it started, what makes it better or worse, any associated symptoms, and any treatments you've tried. If you're seeing a specialist, make sure they have access to relevant test results or bring a copy with you.
Wear appropriate clothing to allow for a possible physical examination of the area of concern.
Bring a notebook and pen so you can write down important points, names of medications, and things you may want to research later.
Arrive 15 minutes early so you can check in, fill out any paperwork, have vitals taken, and have a few minutes to review your questions for the doctor.
5 Questions to Ask During Your Visit
If you’re on medications, have a list with you and ask: Can we review my medications and make sure there aren’t any drug interactions? Also, can I get off or decrease any of them since I’ve had improvements in my [joint pain, headaches, mood, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc.] or since I’m starting to make lifestyle changes (e.g., nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, exercise).
If you’re curious about your options, ask: What are other options besides medication or surgery for my condition? Also ask: Is there anything else this could be?
If you’re thinking of saying “yes” to surgery, ask: What are the risks of the surgery you’re recommending? What are the risks if I don’t get it? For this question, your therapist or care manager can often help you find studies that show the risks and benefits of a specific surgery that you can bring to your doctor.
If you’d rather not have surgery, ask: Last time, you recommended surgery for my ______ but I have been working with my [physical therapist, occupational therapist, nutritionist, nurse, or social worker] and I’ve had these improvements: [I now can walk without dizziness, have more range of motion in my leg, revamped my workspace and now my pain is better, etc.]. Is surgery still necessary?
If there’s something you don’t understand, ask why: Not sure why your doctor wants you to get an MRI? Ask why. Is your doctor changing your medication? Ask why. Do you know why you need to take the entire dose of antibiotics, even though you might be feeling better after a day or two? Ask why.
Other ways to advocate for yourself as a patient
Take notes. Bring a notepad and pen with you so you can write down important points, names of medications, and things you may want to research later.
Ask your PT, OT, social worker, therapist, nutritionist, etc to complete a progress report that you can hand to your doctor to help answer their questions.
Write questions down ahead of time to organize your thoughts and so you don’t forget in the moment.
Seek a second opinion if your questions weren’t answered, your concerns weren’t addressed, or you want more information about a serious procedure like surgery.
Hire an independent patient advocate. Learn more here.