What to say to make an appointment with a doctor?

Start by giving them your name and stating the reason for your call. A good opening line might be: “ Hello, this is Joe Scott speaking. I would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Smith, please. ”

Can you drink water before a doctor's appointment?

Guidelines for Fasting Before a Physical Exam Avoid eating any food or drinking any beverages (except water) for a specific period of time before the exam . This period of time is typically overnight, ranging from 8 to 12 hours.

What to say when a doctor asks how are you?

Here is an important exception to this rule: When your doctor asks you how you are, be honest!

Should you tell your doctor everything?

Be Honest. Roter urges patients to be honest about worries and concerns . She calls this telling the “real deal.” “It's important to share things about your lifestyle, social obligations and relationships at home and at work,” she says.

Why is it so difficult to see a doctor?

The NHS has given a number of reasons why it is difficult to book an appointment with your GP including issues with a lack of doctors, increased demand, and longer waiting times .

What to eat before a doctor's appointment?

Salty and fatty foods raise blood pressure and triglycerides. It's best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before your exam, preferably two or three days . Also, what should you drink before a physical? My staff recommends that patients fast for eight hours before their appointment for bloodwork.

What should you come prepared to discuss during a doctor's appointment?

Keep your provider up-to-date. If you have had any appointments with other doctors or specialists, or maybe you had to go to the emergency room, make sure to let your provider know. Additionally, tell your provider about any recent changes in your weight, sleep or energy levels . Some people keep symptom journals.

What should you avoid the night before an examination?

The night before an exam should be spent getting in the right mindset. However, students often fall into these common mistakes: not having dinner, drinking too much caffeine, re-reading over their notes, cramming and not getting enough sleep . All these mistakes can result in them not performing their best the next day.

Is it OK to eat before a doctor's appointment?

Salty and fatty foods raise blood pressure and triglycerides. It's best to avoid them for at least 24 hours before your exam, preferably two or three days . Also, what should you drink before a physical? My staff recommends that patients fast for eight hours before their appointment for bloodwork.

What should you not wear to a doctor's appointment?

“Most people aren't going to want to wear a turtleneck and jeans and thigh-high boots . The same can be true in the doctor's office.” If your go-to travel outfit is a comfy pair of sweats, even better, Leazzo says. “That's probably ideal, because I can get to just about any part of your body through sweats,” he says.

What is the number one rule for doctors?

All individuals deserve to receive health care that is safe and emblematic of medicine's founding Oath: First, Do No Harm .

How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment (2024)

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On this page:

Make a list and prioritize your concerns
Take information with you to the doctor
Consider bringing a family member or friend to the doctor’s visit
Keep your doctor up to date
Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible
Request an interpreter if you need one

A basic plan can help you make the most of your appointment whether you are starting with a new doctor or continuing with the doctor you’ve seen for years. The following tips will make it easier for you and your doctor to cover everything you need to talk about.

Make a list and prioritize your concerns

Make a list of what you want to discuss. For example, do you have a new symptom you want to ask the doctor about? Do you want to get a flu shot? Are you concerned about how a treatment is affecting your daily life? If you have more than a few items to discuss, put them in order and ask about the most important ones first. Don’t put off the things that are really on your mind until the end of your appointment—bring them up right away! The Talking With Your Doctor worksheets can help.

Take information with you to the doctor

Some doctors suggest you put all your prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements in a bag and bring them with you. Others recommend you bring a list of everything you take and the dose. You should also take your insurance cards, names and phone numbers of other doctors you see, and your medical records if the doctor doesn’t already have them.

Consider bringing a family member or friend to the doctor's office

Sometimes it is helpful to bring a family member or close friend with you. Let your family member or friend know in advance what you want from your visit. Your companion can remind you what you planned to discuss with the doctor if you forget. She or he can take notes for you and can help you remember what the doctor said.

Don't let your companion take too strong a role. The visit is between you and the doctor. You may want some time alone with the doctor to discuss personal matters. If you are alone with the doctor during or right after the physical exam, this might be a good time to raise private concerns. Or, you could ask your family member or friend to stay in the waiting room for part of the appointment. For the best results, let your companion know in advance how he or she can be most helpful.

Keep your doctor up to date

Let your doctor know what has happened in your life since your last visit. If you have been treated in the emergency room or by a specialist, tell the doctor right away. Mention any changes you have noticed in your appetite, weight, sleep, or energy level. Also tell the doctor about any recent changes in any medications you take or the effects they have had on you. Use these worksheets to organize your questions and information when talking with your doctor.

Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible

Many older people use glasses or need aids for hearing. Remember to take your eyeglasses to the doctor’s visit. If you have a hearing aid, make sure that it is working well and wear it. Let the doctor and staff know if you have a hard time seeing or hearing. For example, you may want to say: “My hearing makes it hard to understand everything you’re saying. It helps a lot when you speak slowly and face me when you're talking.”

Request an interpreter if you need one

If the doctor you selected or were referred to doesn’t speak your language, ask the doctor’s office to provide an interpreter. Even though some English-speaking doctors know basic medical terms in Spanish or other languages, you may feel more comfortable speaking in your own language, especially when it comes to sensitive subjects, such as sexuality or depression. Call the doctor’s office ahead of time, as they may need to plan for an interpreter to be available.

Always let the doctor, your interpreter, or the staff know if you do not understand your diagnosis or the instructions the doctor gives you. Don’t let language barriers stop you from asking questions or voicing your concerns.

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Medicare
800-633-4227
877-486-2048 (TTY)
www.cms.gov
www.medicare.gov

MedlinePlus
National Library of Medicine
www.medlineplus.gov

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
301-427-1364
info@ahrq.hhs.gov
www.ahrq.gov

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.

Content reviewed: February 3, 2020

How to Prepare for a Doctor's Appointment (2024)

Make a list and prioritize your concerns

Take information with you to the doctor

Consider bringing a family member or friend to the doctor's office

Keep your doctor up to date

Be sure you can see and hear as well as possible

Request an interpreter if you need one

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Sign up for e-alerts about healthy aging

For more information about getting ready to visit the doctor

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