Get ready for your appointment
You'll likely start by seeing your primary health care provider (general practitioner), who may refer you to a specialist doctor for further evaluation.
What you can do
At the time you make the appointment, ask if there's something you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a certain test. Make a list of the following:
Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your visit to the doctor
Key personal information, including your and your family's medical history
All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including the doses
Questions to ask the doctor
Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given. Basic questions to ask your doctor include:
What could be causing my condition or symptoms?
What are other possible causes?
What tests do I need?
What treatment approach do you recommend?
When do you expect symptoms to improve with treatment?
Is there anything I can do now to help relieve joint pain?
Am I at risk of long-term complications from this condition?
I suffer from these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
Don't hesitate to ask other questions.
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor may ask you a number of questions, such as:
When did your symptoms begin?
Are the symptoms continuous or occasional?
How severe are your symptoms?
What, if anything, might improve your symptoms?
What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Have you recently had an infection?
After completing the medical consultation, summarize what you've heard by writing down the key points and information before you forget them. And be sure to follow up with your doctor according to his recommendations. This may include additional counseling or some laboratory or imaging tests.
Always follow up with your doctor if any changes occur, such as a worsening of symptoms or if you have questions. Inquire about the best way to contact your doctor in case you need to ask questions. There are many ways to stay in touch these days with the healthcare team, including clinic email, online patient service portal, or telemedicine.