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10 Tips to Help You Make the Most of a Visit with Your Primary Care Doctor
Did you know that a doctor’s appointment lasts on average only 7 to 21 minutes? By taking an active role and preparing for your visit, your interaction with your doctor will be more satisfying and productive. Here are 10 suggestions to help you make the most of your time with your doctor.

1. Keep a file that includes a detailed history of your healthcare and the recommendations, treatments and prescriptions you receive from all your doctors. Include a list of immunizations you received and when you received them. Keep a chronological list of any test results you have collected and include them in the file.

2. Before your appointment, review the issues you discussed at your last visit with your doctor including any outcomes that required following up.

3. Make a list of your medical conditions, noting your understanding of the treatment plan for each of them. Between visits, make a note of any physical observations or changes in your symptoms or condition. Be sure to bring these to the doctor’s attention during your visit.

4. Make a list of all your medications – prescriptions, over-the-counter medications and any supplements you take regularly. Include the dosage for each and how often you take each medication. Make a note of any changes in your medication regime since your last visit. Check your prescription labels – do you have adequate refills or will you need a new prescription?

5. Review any visits you made to other doctors since your last visit with your primary care doctor. Let your physician know the outcome of those visits.

6. Make a list of any questions you have for your doctor and bring them to your appointment.

7. Have someone you trust accompany you to your appointment. They can take notes to help you remember the details of your discussion.

8. Once you get to see the doctor, describe what you want to get out of your visit at the beginning of your appointment. For example: “Dr. Smith, I want to review each of my medical conditions and the treatment plan for each of them during this appointment. I would also like to go over my list of medications to be sure they are necessary, that the dosages are appropriate and to make sure that they are all compatible with each other.”

9. Ask your doctor how you can communicate with him or her between visits. Be sure to find out how the medical practice responds to telephone calls from patients.

10. At the end of your appointment, summarize the discussion you had with your doctor to ensure all your questions are answered, your prescriptions are in order, and that you know what to do to educate yourself about your healthcare. This short summary will help you feel satisfied with the outcome of your visit with your primary care physician.