GOING TO THE DOCTOR

• Know your symptoms and signs (as much as possible) and be prepared to tell them so they can determine what is wrong.  If it hurts tell them!  They aren't psychic! 
• How long you have had the problem?  

• What medications are you taking?  I have found that if you are  on a  regimen of meds for a period of time it is easier to make a list of what I take.  I list the med name, dosage, times per day and what it is for.   This makes it easier for the medicos who have not yet developed photographic memory or have  not yet  put terminals in the examination room to access patient data.

• Tell them what you are allergic to.

• Have you ever had this problem before?

• List any  health problems or surgeries you have had

• If you are not at your regular doctor, who is regular doctor?

• be sure to have your health insurance information.

I have included a worksheet below that you are welcome to use (just cut and paste) if you wish.  

An additional suggestion is to possibly condense the info and place it on a card and carry in your wallet.  [Laminated, of course!]

Worksheet