Be An Active Participant

For some people, a visit to the hospital or physician’s office can be a very stressful experience–a long drive may have been involved, almost certainly a long wait. By the time you actually see your health care professional, you may forget to tell him or her something important. To ensure the best quality care for you or your loved one, take an active role in preparing for your visits so that you may take full advantage of your time with the health care professional.

Most people don’t leave their house for the supermarket without a list of things to buy. A visit to your health care professional should be no different. You might want to write down all your concerns and questions in a spiral-bound notebook so that all your information is kept in the same place. Make a list of questions, comments and concerns before going to your health provider’s office, leaving space to write down any instructions you might be given.

Your list should address

• Your main reason for visiting your health provider
• Your list of health concerns and/or complaints, in order of importance
  • When did it start? What makes it better? What makes it worse?
• Your list of medications
  • Include dosages, why you take that medication and any side effects you may be experiencing

During your visit you will be able to work your way down this list, making sure that each item is addressed. By having this information ready, you will be able to maximize your time with your health care provider. Your part of the visit includes listening to his or her responses to your questions and concerns. Under each of your questions, comments or concerns, write down the response from your health care provider.

When you get home, you will be able to go over the instructions you were given during the office visit. The time in between your office visits is the time to begin making out your new list of questions, comments and concerns. Your spiral-bound notebook has now become your own health record!

Remember not to keep personal information in your notebook, such as your Social Security Number. This is for your protection in case your notebook is lost or stolen.

A spiral-bound notebook will be an excellent personal health record. However, if you want something a little more “official,” the Administration on Aging has a publication entitled “Personal Health Care Journal,” which may help you “get organized” for your next visit with your health care provider. You can download this journal or order a free copy from http://www.aoa.gov/press/publications/publications.asp.

For more information

• "Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older People" from the National Institute on Aging (also available in Spanish): http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/TalkingWithYourDoctor/.
• An interactive slideshow about how to talk with your doctor from the National Institute on Aging: http://nihseniorhealth.gov/talkingwithyourdoctor/toc.html.