Getting Ready for a Doctor's Visit

Dave experienced several dizzy spells, so he scheduled an appointment with his physician. Dr. Collins took his blood pressure, examined his ears and throat, checked his reflexes, asked a lot of questions, and suggested some follow-up appointments. By the time the visit was over, Dave was pretty certain he had forgotten some important points! And in the car on the way home, he realized he had forgotten to mention that he had fallen a few days before.

When you're older, it becomes even more important to talk often and comfortably with your doctor. That's partly because you may have more health conditions and treatments to discuss. It's also because your health has a big impact on other parts of your life, and that needs to be talked about too.

A basic plan can help you or a loved one make the most of a doctor's appointment, whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips will make it easier for you and your doctor to cover everything you need to talk about.

Make a list of your concerns and prioritize them—Make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Don't put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment—bring them up right away!

Take information with you—Some doctors suggest you put all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements in a bag and bring them with you. Others recommend you bring a list of everything you take. You should also take your insurance cards, names, and phone numbers of other doctors you see, and your medical records if the doctor doesn't already have them.

Make sure you can see and hear as well as possible—Many seniors use glasses or hearing aids. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor's visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure it is working well and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. For example, you may want to say: "My hearing makes it hard to understand everything you're saying. It helps a lot when you speak slowly."

Consider bringing a family member or friend—Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget, take notes for you, and later help you remember what the doctor said.

Plan to update the doctor—Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also tell the doctor about any recent changes in any medications you take or the effects they have had on you.

Being prepared helps you and your loved one take an active role in health care!

Source: National Institute on Aging. Visit the NIA website for more information on navigating the healthcare system, and for a wide variety of information and resources on healthy aging and family caregiving.