Top tips for getting the best out of your appointment

 

 

Before your appointment

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

During your appointment

  • Don’t be afraid to ask if you don’t understand. For example, ‘Can you say that again? I still 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 you’ve had your questions answered and that you understand the answers, for example ‘Can I just check I understood what you said?’
  • 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 are entitled 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.
  • Ask ‘What’s happening if I’m not sent my appointment details,’ and ‘Can I have the results of any tests?’
  • If you don’t get the results when you expect – ask for them.
  • Ask what the results mean.
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