Top tips for getting the best out of your appointment
Get the best out of your appointment at ESNEFT
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
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