Ten minutes of preparation before seeing a doctor, to get the most from the visit
The average clinic consultation is 10–15 minutes, and part of it goes on remembering when the symptom started or what that tablet is called. Ten minutes of preparation before leaving home gives the doctor complete information and gets you the answers you came for.
Write the symptoms as a timeline
Three lines are enough: when it started (day or week), what it is like (what kind of pain, where, score 1–10), and what makes it better or worse (time of day, position, food, medicines). If it comes and goes, note when it last happened. If there is a rash or swelling, photograph it while it is clear — symptoms that have vanished by the time you reach the clinic are normal.
Your medicines, and the papers to bring
List every medicine you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies and anything bought over the counter, with dose and frequency — or photograph all the labels. Any drug allergy and what happened. Blood results, X-rays or a summary from a previous doctor within the past year. Your ID card, and your insurance card if you plan to use it. Anyone with a chronic condition should bring two weeks of home readings — blood pressure, blood sugar.
Three questions to ask before leaving the room
One: what does the doctor think it most likely is, and what else could it be. Two: what happens next — medicines, further tests, a follow-up — and how necessary and how much each one is. Three: which symptoms mean coming back early, or going to an emergency room. If you have more questions, write them down beforehand and ask the most important first. Most doctors are glad if you take notes.
