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Visits to the doctor can be stressful, especially when someone is dealing with a serious or chronic (ongoing) health condition. Use these tips to help someone you care about before, during, and after a doctor’s visit.
Before the visit:
Ask your loved one if he would like you to go with him to the visit.
Help him make a list of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.
Suggest that he make a folder of information to share with the doctor or nurse. He can include things like:
Any changes in his health since the last visit, like a serious injury or illness
Any recent changes in his life, like becoming unemployed
A family health history
A list of all medicines he’s taking, including over-the-counter medicines and vitamins
During the visit:
Introduce yourself to the doctor and explain why you are there. The doctor may ask to see your loved one in private during parts of the visit.
Bring a notepad and write down the doctor’s advice and answers to questions.
If you don’t understand something the doctor says, ask her to explain it until you do understand.
After the visit:
Discuss the visit with your loved one and talk about what you learned. If you forget or can’t agree on what the doctor said, call the doctor’s office and ask.
Ask your loved one if she needs help getting any medicines or supplies recommended by the doctor.
Remind your loved one to set up any follow-up appointments with the doctor or nurse.