• 1. Make a list of questions, concerns, and issues you wish to raise with the doctor.

You may have a great memory, but if the doctor sees a list it is more likely to get addressed. Be realistic, the first visit will allow the doctor to get familiar with your case and you may require further visits according to the complexity of your medical conditions. Select the one or two most important issues you would like the doctor to address.

• 2. Make a computerized medication list that you update and bring to every visit.

Most offices ask for this list. Being able to hand them one easily read saves time and effort for both parties. Keeping it on the computer makes it easier for you to update and keep current. Remember to add any additional over the counter medications or supplements you are taking as these can effect other medications prescribed and medical conditions. If a computer is not available, make a list by hand or bring the stubs given when you pick up your prescription at the pharmacy. Also have the name and number of your pharmacy available. We recommend using one that is open 24 hours a day. Using one pharmacy will probably decrease the chances of errors and duplication of prescriptions.

• 3. Take care of insurance issues.

If you have not used your insurance in a while, call and make sure nothing has changed. Many companies are changing policies and what worked last time may have changed this time.

Check to make sure you have all the required referrals, paperwork, deductibles and co-payments worked out. Never assume that people know what your insurance covers. They will not be paying the bill if you are wrong. Taking the time before your appointment can save you hours on the phone later straightening out medical bills. When you arrive at the office have your insurance information and the required co-payments ready. Remember payment of the bill is your responsibility, the doctor’s office submits the claim to the insurance company on your behalf.

• 4. If visiting a new doctor, make sure you have basic medical information with you.

A full medical record is usually not necessary, but you should know important diagnosis and procedures/ surgeries you had have done. In children the vaccination record is vital.

Also having the names and phone numbers of other doctors treating you will facilitate coordination of care especially if you have multiple medical conditions and different doctors involved in your treatment.

• 5. Be on time.

Not to come in too early either (except at first visit), they will not be seen any earlier, will just make the wait longer also at the first visit expect to spend at least 1-2 hours in the office.

Some medical practices are strict and will not see you if you are late regardless of how behind they run. Accept this and plan accordingly. Call for directions, not just road directions but building directions. Especially when visiting larger medical institutions finding the office location can be time consuming. Add in parking and what you thought was a reasonable time to arrive to your appointment is fast disappearing. Call the office and ask where the office is located within the complex. Often people assume patients have a magic directional sense that leads them to the correct office. We do not and we need to be proactive about discovering our destination before leaving home.

• 6. Bring something productive to keep you occupied.

If you can work on your laptop, do so. I generally this to be a great time to catch up on reading I have not had the chance to pursue. Plan on waiting and design a waiting room friendly activity that moves your day forward. Choose something you can accomplish from your daily activities that is waiting room friendly. Oddly enough when people think about it there are planning activities, design activities, and other paperwork type things that fit that niche if they plan for it.

• 7. Do be assertive about getting your questions answered.

If the doctor has to get back to you make sure there is a plan for how that will occur. During your visit get prescription refills. This can save the annoying task of working through the office to get refills called to the pharmacy when you run out. While it can feel rushed, make sure you have met the items on your check list. Do not try to remember everything use the tools you created.

Adapted from e-how by Dr. Jose Sabogal.