Doctor’s Visits: Tips for Patients Before, During and Between Appointments

by: AFAnswers.com staff

Once your condition is diagnosed and you begin treatment, it’s likely you’ll have questions about how AF affects you. Your regular appointments with your physician can help alleviate some of your concerns, but can often be more useful if you take a few steps to prepare for them. Here are a few things you can do before and between appointments to make your visits more productive for you and your physician.

Maintain a health diary
Keeping a diary of your health can help your physician better understand your condition. In your diary, record any symptoms, episodes, feelings, and any questions or concerns you may have about your condition. Be as detailed as possible and list examples, if necessary. For instance, when recording an AF episode, you may record the date, time, length of episode, what you were doing at the time and any physical feelings or emotions you had. Remember: things you may not consider significant can help your physician better understand your condition and health.

Keep an up-to-date list of all medications and dosage
Maintaining a list of your medications is beneficial regardless of your condition. You may choose to keep the information in your health diary or in a separate area, so it is easily accessible. Be sure to include medications prescribed by your physician, as well as any over-the-counter medications or vitamins. Record any recent changes and update the list frequently.

Tell your physician about other conditions or illnesses
Inform your physician of any illness since your last visit, including short-term illnesses such as a flu or cold. Be sure to let him or her know if you were taking any medications for those conditions, even if the medication is completed and the illness has passed. Doing so may explain something your doctor observes during an examination.

Record your questions or concerns
Make a list of any questions or concerns that arise between visits with your physician. Many patients may feel excited, nervous or apprehensive about visiting the doctor and it’s not uncommon to forget concerns while in his or her office. Making a list ensures that you leave your doctor’s office with any issues addressed.

Let your physician know you have questions
Let your doctor know that you have questions at the beginning of your appointment. This allows him or her to make time at the end of your appointment to discuss your questions and concerns.

Take notes
Don’t be afraid to take notes during your visit. Before you leave your doctor’s office, you should write down your plan of care, including any dietary restrictions, directions on exercise or any other important information you receive.

Discuss your medications
It’s important you understand your course of treatment, including any medications you may have to take. Some medications may interact with drugs you’re already taking. Other times, doses may not be doubled or taken too close together. Be sure to discuss your medications with your doctor, including what to do if you miss a dose or take one later than scheduled.

While following these steps can help make visits to your doctor’s office more productive, you may still have questions between visits. Be sure to call your physician’s office with any concerns you feel are too serious to wait until the next visit.

Published: July 1, 2007