Get the Most Benefit At Your Doctor's Appointment: Write Up a List of Questions, Bring a Voice Recorder, etc.

To get the most help from each doctor's appointment, you need to do your homework up-front.

First, you need to write down all of the specific information about the medicines you are taking—not just prescription medicines, but also ALL over-the-counter medicines (nonprescription), vitamins, supplements, botanicals, and other drugs. Write down the full name of the medicine, the dose (number of mg, teaspoonfuls, etc.), the number of pills you take, and how often and what time of day you take them. Alternatively, bring all of your medicines with you to the doctor's appointment. It is very important to include "natural" and "herbal" and other such supplements because they are also drugs (just because something is "natural" doesn't mean it's safe for you).

Next, at least a week before your appointment, start making a list of every symptom you're experiencing, no matter how minor. Make another list of questions you want to ask the doctor. Ask family members if they have any concerns about your health that they think you should ask the doctor about. Don't forget to list psychological and sleep pattern changes.

Arrive on time or early for your appointment to ensure that the doctor is not rushed and has time to answer all of your questions and spend the most possible time with you. Bring a notebook with your lists of medicines, symptoms, and questions and make sure that you cross each item off your list as you discuss it with your doctor. If you are concerned about your ability to do this, consider bringing a trusted friend or family member with you. If you are concerned about your ability to remember what the doctor's advice is, bring an audio recorder and ask the doctor if you may record your visit to prevent you from forgetting any advice/instructions later. Also, ask the doctor to write out specific instructions and important information that you discussed, especially any diagnosis you were given and instructions for taking any medications you were prescribed. It's okay to take notes yourself throughout the appointment, also.

Be sure to fill any new prescriptions on your way home from the doctor's appointment so that you don't forget or lose the prescription slip. When you get home, review your notes carefully and, if applicable, play back the audio recording of your visit. If you have any new questions, be sure to call the doctor's office as soon as possible and speak to either your doctor or a nurse about your question.

By doing some or all of these things, you will be getting more value out of your brief time with your doctor and you will be less likely to forget important things such as follow-up visits that need to be scheduled and routines you need to change.