Taking time to prepare for your doctor’s appointment can help ensure you make the most of your time and cover everything important to you. This can include writing down your questions beforehand and thinking about desired outcomes.

Preparing for your doctor’s appointment can allow you to communicate your health needs more effectively and ensure your doctor can create a treatment plan that addresses your health priorities.

This can also help you walk away from your appointment feeling heard and as though you have an active role in your healthcare.

Taking time to prepare for your doctor’s appointment can involve considering your questions and concerns beforehand, identifying your desired outcomes, and requesting any needed accommodations.

Taking the time beforehand to think about any questions you’d like to ask can help ensure your appointment stays on track and that you can cover what is important to you.

You may find yourself unable to think or overwhelmed by health information during your appointment. This is why it can be helpful to write your questions down and bring them with you, either on a piece of paper or on the notes app of your phone.

If you have limited time, consider prioritizing your concerns to ensure the most important points are dealt with first.

It can be beneficial to spend some time thinking about what you would like to achieve during your appointment. This may include:

  • getting a referral to a specialist
  • discussing any concerning symptoms
  • seeking a diagnosis or further testing
  • having an effective treatment plan put in place
  • making adjustments to a current treatment plan so it better addresses your needs or changing symptoms

If you have previously experienced medical dismissal or are concerned about a doctor not addressing your health needs, the following phrases can help you advocate for yourself during your appointment:

  • “I know my body. These symptoms are not normal for me. I would like to explore why this happening.”
  • “While mental health may be a factor here, I would like to ensure any potential physical causes have been ruled out first.”
  • “I don’t feel this treatment option fully addresses my concerns. I would like to explore further options.”
  • “I understand my tests have come back normal, but I am still experiencing [symptoms]. What other treatment options can we explore?”
  • “My [condition or symptom] is negatively affecting my quality of life and makes it difficult for me to [complete responsibilities, such as work or care for my children].”

You can request any needed accommodations before your appointment to ensure you are comfortable and can communicate effectively.

This can include language interpretation and assistance, such as:

  • requesting an interpreter if your preferred language is not English
  • requesting a sign language interpreter or non-verbal signals from reception staff, such as a wave, to let you know when it’s your turn, if you are hard of hearing or deaf
  • asking the doctor to avoid wearing a mask and face you when speaking, if you read lips

You can also request mobility support to help you get to your appointment, such as:

  • requesting accessible parking be made available
  • asking for assistance to get to the examination room
  • requesting an appointment at a facility that is accessible for you, such as one with ramps, an elevator, or with doorways that have a clear opening for a wheelchair

It can be helpful to bring a companion with you to your doctor’s appointment, particularly if you are feeling anxious or would benefit from a second set of ears to understand and recall medical information.

This may be a friend or family member who:

  • you feel safe and comfortable with
  • you don’t mind hearing your private or sensitive medical information
  • can ask necessary questions on your behalf if you feel overwhelmed by health information
  • can take notes for you, including follow-up information and next steps, if you feel unable to in the moment
  • can act as a support system if you need to advocate for better care

It’s important to confirm beforehand whether a companion is allowed to attend your appointment with you, as some clinics and hospitals have certain restrictions, especially during flu season.

If you are unable to have a companion with you, it may be helpful to arrange to see them after your appointment, to ensure you have someone to talk with about any health updates or how you’re feeling.

There are several things that can be helpful to bring to a doctor’s appointment, including:

  • Any medications you are taking. This should include prescription and over-the-counter medication, vitamins, and herbal supplements. If it isn’t possible to bring your medications with you, consider making a list of medication names along with your dosage information.
  • Medical records. It can be helpful to bring along any copies of important test results or reports you would like to discuss.
  • Information about your family health history. It can be beneficial to take time before your appointment to gather any information about your family health history. This is a common question asked when a doctor is assessing your health status, and so it can be helpful to have this information readily available.
  • Health insurance information. It is important to bring your health insurance card along with you.

It will typically be mentioned in the communication of your appointment whether you should bring anything specific with you. However, you can also ask the clinic or doctor’s office beforehand.

If you have a telehealth appointment, there are several things you can do to prepare:

  • arrange for a quiet and private space where you can take the call
  • ensure you have access to a stable internet connection
  • make sure your device has enough charge
  • make sure you are comfortable
  • have a pen and paper or a notes app open to jot down anything important mentioned
  • know the name and location of your preferred pharmacy

It may be helpful to test your device before the call to ensure your camera, audio, and microphone are working properly.

Taking some time to prepare for your doctor’s appointment can help ensure you make the most of your time and allow you to communicate your health needs more effectively.

This can involve considering your questions and concerns beforehand, identifying your desired outcomes, and requesting any needed accommodations.