Top tips for getting the best out of your appointment

Before your appointment

• Write down your most important questions, so that you remember to ask them
• Write a list or bring all your medicines and pills. Include vitamins, supplements and non-prescription medications that you take
• Write down details of your symptoms, including when they started and what makes them better or worse
• Ask the hospital or GP surgery for an interpreter or communication support if you need

During your appointment

• Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand
• If you don’t understand any words, ask for them to be written down and explained
• Write things down or ask a family member or friend to take notes

Before you leave your appointment

• Check that the doctor or nurse answered your questions, and that you understand the answers
• Check that you know what should happen next, and when. Write it down
• Ask who to contact if you have any more problems or questions
• Ask about support groups and where to go for reliable information
• Ask for copies of letters written about you.  You have the right to see these

After your appointment

• Write down what you discussed and what happens next
• Keep your notes
• Book any tests that you can and put the dates in your diary
• If you don’t get the results when you expect – ask for them
• Ask what the results mean