An Organized Annual Doctor's Appointment

Prior to my annual doctor's appointment the other day, the nurse was updating my records in her new computer system. She began asking me at least a dozen questions regarding my health history--most of which I really had to think about and wish I had known about ahead of time so I could have been better prepared.

When I got home, I opened a Word document and began typing all the information I may be asked in the future from my current doctor's office, or another doctor if I ever decide to switch.

The nurse first wanted to know my health history, any current problems and any medications (bring the names of the medicines, dosages and dates started if applicable) I was taking. She then asked about any allergies.

She then proceeded to ask me about my family health history--my mother, father and sister, my maternal grandparents and my paternal grandparents. She wanted to know if any of them experienced specific health difficulties (heart problems, cancer, etc.) and what age were they first diagnosed.

Finally, she asked me the dates of my female health screenings: menstrual cycle, pap and mammogram and the results.

While I was able to give her all of the information, it did take some thought and definitely extra time.

The next time I have an annual appointment, or even an irregular appointment during the year for a sore throat, etc. I will bring this prepared document with me.

For general illness appointments, I always take a notepad with my symptoms, dates and any other information I know my doctor will need. I also bring a list of questions I want answered while I'm there.

Being prepared will save you time, will ensure you're not guessing and your records will be more accurate.

Comments

[joyce]

A doctor usually spends little time with you, and says many things. I have been taking a recorder to recent doctor's appointments. Instead of wondering exactly what the doctor said, I can replay it at home and know exactly what was said.

[Barbara Konopa]

I go one step further and print out the word document, fold it and place it behind my driver's license in my purse. I write on the outside..Please read. If I am ever in an accident the EMT and hospital staff will have all the info they need on me. This is especially important if you have any ongoing health issues or have lots of drug allergies. This paper includes my emergency contact person as well as my PCP and in my case my cardiologist info.

[Cynthia Edwards]

Hi Maria,

This is truly a great tip. I have elderly parents who have each needed a lot of medical and hospital care in the last 2 years. At every appointment or hospital admission they need to give their health history, and at their ages (over 80) it takes 45 minutes to cover everything. Quite a bit of this time is spent rambling, as they tell stories around each operation or condition... a printed list would be so helpful for the nursing staff.

Last month my mother had open heart surgery and she lived with me for 3 weeks to convalesce. She was on a dozen drugs, administered at five different times of the day. I created a table in a Word document to indicate the time of each dose, how much to give, both the generic and brand names of each drug, and the purpose of the drug. When she transitioned back to her own home over the weekend, the in-home helper was able to pick up where I left off with total ease.

[Peggy P]

I also have added to my list of RX's the OTC that I take... including vitamins and minerals, Aleve, Advil, etc. And on my list that I carry with me, I have my perscription numbers and the pharmacy name. I have also listed that I am an Organ Donor, and I have a signed Organ Donor card that I carry. Every Dr appointment that I have, I check my list, update if necessary, and put today's date on it. Saves the nurse a whole lot of time. When I would go to Florida to care for my parents, I typed out both of their medical histories (or at least the best I could do), their doctor's names, addresses & phone number. At age 84, my Mother did not remember many of her surgeries, illnesses, medications. It got quite tiring having to do the same writing with each different doctor they saw. This way, the nurse could make a copy of the pages I had and put these in their files. I would also like to add that no matter how old your parents are, get that information today... and also start your own paperwork so your kids know what to do with you when you reach that age where your memory isn't quite what it should be.
blessings- Peggy