You make an appointment weeks or months in advance. You want to talk to your doctor about a new symptom or ongoing concern. You sit in the waiting room, fill out forms, and think of all the things you’re going to say.
Then, bam! Before you know it, the appointment is over, and you have more questions than answers. Learn how to get the most out of your time with your provider.
Keep a running list of questions in a notebook or on your phone so you don’t forget to ask them during your appointment. Your doctor may use complex medical terms when they’re discussing your treatment, symptoms, or instructions. Ask them to explain anything you don’t understand in plain language.
To get the best care, be honest about your concerns and habits. Let your doctor know if you stopped taking a medication due to unwanted side effects, often forget to take a dose, are seeing another provider, have a new symptom, or a condition is getting worse.
Are your meds working well? Do you think they could be working better? Use this worksheet to easily keep track of all your medications, side effects, symptoms, and special instructions. Share it with all of your providers to make sure they’re up-to-date on your prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, vitamins, and supplements.
Not sure what steps to take next? Ask for clear instructions about follow-up visits, lab results, and what symptoms to be on the lookout for.
The key to maximizing your doctor visits is communication. Talk about your needs, concerns, and symptoms. Come prepared to share what you know and take notes to remember important details. You’ll leave each appointment feeling more confident in your overall health plan.
Make the most of your medications, understand the labels, and minimize risks with a licensed MOBE Pharmacist.