Talking to Doctors

Your Appointments

Prepare, Ask, Next

A simple formula to get the most out of your doctor visits.

Prepare before the appointment.

Use the appointment planner

Note any medications already taken

Track symptoms

Use the Appointment Planner to guide the conversation and ensure you don’t forget any detail.

Go through step by step

Ask them to physically examine areas of concern if appropriate

If you don’t understand or are unsure, ask them to explain.

Have confidence: you are worthy of help and support.

Ask what do I have to do next?

What should I look out for?

Ask for specific timescales, dates for the next appointment

Ask for direct phone or email of the medical professional treating you or their secretary

Spend ten minutes once home making sense of the appointment and dealing with next steps.