Getting the most out of your appointment
George Morris, MD
Family Medicine/Sports Medicine
St. Cloud Medical Group Northwest
Have you ever left a doctor appointment disappointed that you forgot to ask an important question or feeling confused about the diagnosis or medicine prescribed? With a little preparation you can get the most out of your appointment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Prepare for your office visit by defining your goals, organizing your symptoms and making a list of questions.
Diagnosis
- What is wrong?
- What causes it?
- How serious is it?
- Am I contagious?
- How will it affect me in the future?
Doctor's Orders
- What activities do I need to avoid?
- Do I need a follow-up visit?
- When should I call if I’m not better?
- Should I watch for anything special?
Medicine
- Can you give me information about the medicine?
- What is the medicine for?
- How should I take it and for how long?
- What side effects are likely? What do I do if they occur?
- Is this medication safe to take with other medicine or dietary supplements?
- What food, drink or activities should I avoid while taking this medicine?
Tests
- Why do I need this test?
- What can I expect during the test?
- How reliable is the test?
- What if I don’t have the test?
- How much will the test cost? Will insurance cover it?
- How and when will I get the results?
Appointment Tips
Before Your Appointment
- Write down any questions.
- Arrive early for your appointment.
- Bring a list of your signs and symptoms.
- Bring your health history.
- Always bring a list of current medications, including dosages and allergies.
- Tell your doctor about any herbal or other alternative medicines or treatments used.
During Your Appointment
- Ask questions, especially if you don't understand what your doctor has told you.
- If you feel the need, bring someone who can help you ask questions and help you understand and remember answers later.
- Ask your doctor to draw pictures to help explain something.
- Take notes.
- Tell your doctor if you feel you need more time to make a decision on your care.
After Your Appointment
- Call if you have questions or log in to MyChart to send a secure message to your provider.
- Call if your symptoms get worse or if you have problems with medication.
- If you had tests and haven't heard within a week, call for your results.
- Make any appointments suggested by your doctor, for example lab, X-ray or referral to a specialist.
