Medical Specialists

Font Size

Preparing for Your Appointment

Before the visit

Collect the following information before your visit. Take it with you to your appointment.

Gather any medical records for previous treatment for the same or a similar problem.
Make a list of all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking.

During the visit

State your main problem or reason for your visit.
Describe your symptoms.
Describe your past experiences with this problem.
State how this problem is affecting your life.

After the visit

Write down:

What your health professional thinks the problem might be.
What you might expect to happen next.
What you can do to manage your problem at home.

Questions to ask about medicines, tests, and treatments

What is the name of the medicine, test, or treatment?
Why is it needed?
What are the risks?
What are potential side effects?
Are there alternatives?
How much does it cost?
Is the cost of the medicine covered by my insurance?
What will happen if I decide not to have treatment?
How do I take this medicine?
How will this medicine react with other medicines I am taking?
How do I prepare for each test or treatment?

Questions to ask at the end of your visit

When should I return for another visit?
When will test results be available?
- Should I contact you or will you contact me?
- Be sure to ask for copies of any test results.
Are there any danger signs that I need to look for?
What else do I need to know?

For more information, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: October 30, 2006

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.