Top 3 Things To Discuss On
Your Next Appointment
By Jean E. Miller

It is a good idea to keep a notebook handy where you can write down unusual or changed symptoms that you would like to discuss with your doctor. Ask your family members, too, if they have noticed anything which they feel needs to be brought to the doctor's attention.

Prior to the next appointment, consider the top 3 items which are causing you the most concern and present those to the doctor requesting answer DURING that visit. Make a separate list of questions to leave with the doctor, requesting they get back with you on those questions (See non urgent letter with questions).

It is recommended you fax both the "Top 3" and the Question List To Give To Doctor(s) lists to the doctor 1 to 2 days in advance of your appointment, then bring spare copies to discuss and leave with them during your visit.

ALWAYS ask for your doctor's fax number and make it part of your records. I've found that office help almost ALWAYS respond to incoming faxes quicker then they do phone messages!

You can fill in the repetitive stuff like name and address, doctor's name etc. then do a "save-as" on a disk or a folder on your harddrive called "Medical Forms". This one is named "Top 3 Things To Discuss On Next Your Appointment". 

Then, after you fill out a form, prior to faxing the doctor and your appointment, do a "save as" "office visit dated (fill in)" on your disk/PC. Make sure you update that office visit form with the doctor's answers when you get home and do another "save". 

Then start you list for the next appointment! If you do not have frequent visits to your doctor or specialist, prepare the Top 3 items and fax them to your doctor, requesting they mail the form back to you with the doctor's response(s).

Be prepared!
Love
Jean Miller

"Top 3 Things To Discuss On My Next Appointment"

Date:_____________                  Date of Appointment:__________
Patient:_______________________ Patient Number:________________
Address
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
Tel Number: (   ) _________________

If applicable, spouse or caregiver/emergency contact:
________________________________/Telephone____________________

Dear Doctor (fill in name)

The following is a list of problems or symptoms that I have been experiencing. 
These have been giving me the most difficulty and are impacting my quality 
of life. Therefore, during the course of my next appointment (or via return mail if 
you do not have an upcoming appointment), I would like your comments and/or 
recommendation on how to address these items:

1_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor's Response 
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor's Response:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________ 

3_______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
Doctor's Response:
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________ 

Respectfully, 
(fill in and sign your name)