MSU Extension Chronic Disease

Healthcare appointments are an important part of managing your health. Michigan State University Extension health programs emphasize the importance of being prepared, informed and engaged when making healthcare decisions. Whether you are seeing a provider for a routine check-up, addressing a new concern or managing a chronic condition, being prepared can help you make the most of your visit. Taking an active role before, during, and after appointments can improve communication, help you understand your care plan and ensure your concerns are addressed.

Before appointments

Preparation is key to making the most of your time with your healthcare provider.

• Make a list of what you want to discuss. Put the highest priority questions or concerns first. Write the list down so you can hand it to your healthcare provider for them to review. This ensures you do not forget anything important and allows them to scan the list for issues that may stand out.
• Create or update your list of all medications. Include all prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal products. Include how much you take and how often you take it. It can also be helpful to include why you take the medication.
• Know your family health history. Information about health conditions that run in your family can help providers better understand your health risks and make recommendations.
• Bring what you need to communicate and participate. These items include glasses, hearing aids, insurance cards, identification, a pen and paper for taking notes or a folder to hold documents.
• Check with your insurance provider. If your insurance has recently changed, confirm that you have coverage for the provider and review any coverage requirements.
• Consider bringing a support person. A family member or friend may help remember information, ask questions or provide transportation.
• Keep track of symptoms and changes. Think about any physical, emotional or lifestyle changes since your last appointment. It may be helpful to write down:
  • When did it start?
  • How long does it last?
  • Does it come and go?
  • What makes it better?
  • What makes it worse?
  • What does it feel like?
  • How bad is it?
  • Where is it?
  • Does any pain stay in one spot or move around?

During appointments

Communication is essential. Be honest and open about your symptoms, concerns and experiences. Accurate and complete information can help your healthcare provider better understand your concerns and recommend an approach that is more likely to work for you.

• Share any materials you prepared before your appointment. Your notes, symptom tracking, medication list and family health history can provide valuable information.
• Ask questions. If something is unclear, ask for an explanation. Understanding your health and treatment options can help you make informed decisions.
• Take notes or ask for a copy of information. Healthcare visits often include a lot of information. Notes and handouts can help you remember important details later. Consider using the voice memo feature available on most cell phones or an app that captures audio to take notes during or after the visit.
• Repeat back to the provider what you heard and what the plan is so you can both be on the same page:
  • This is what I understand is the problem…
  • To help me feel better I need to…
  • I should expect to feel better in…
  • I should come back if or when…
• Confirm next steps before leaving. Make sure you understand any diagnoses, medications, tests, referrals, follow-up appointments and when to expect results.

After appointments

Healthcare is not confined to an office. What you do between appointments is an important part of maintaining and improving your health.

• Follow the care plan. Take medications as directed, complete any tests, attend follow-up appointments and participate in recommended therapies and treatments.
• Monitor your progress. Keep track of symptoms, side effects, improvements or new concerns.
• Communicate with your provider. If your symptoms worsen, you experience side effects or the treatment plan is not working as expected, contact your provider.

Healthcare works best when patients and providers work together as partners. By preparing before appointments, actively participating during visits and following through afterward, you can help ensure your healthcare needs and concerns are addressed. Taking a few minutes to prepare, ask questions and stay engaged can help you better understand your health, make informed decisions and get the most from each healthcare appointment.