For a pdf version of this health topic click here.

When you visit any doctor, be it your local GP, a specialist or in hospital, remember they are there to help. They can advise and give you information about your condition and the treatment options available to assist you. To make the visit more productive:

Before the visit

• Make a list of questions you need answered so that you don't forget anything. Add to the list any symptoms, concerns or changes in your life that may have occurred recently or since your last visit to the doctor. 
• Make a list of all the medicines you are taking regularly or occasionally (including over-the-counter products, complementary medicines and supplements).  Write down the dose of each medicine, and how often you take each one.
• If you need repeat prescriptions, make a note to ask for them. 
• If you would like a longer than normal visit, ring ahead and ask if this is possible.
• If you don't know much about your condition, it is helpful to read up or try to obtain more information to give you some background, and become familiar with the vocabulary or terms that will be used. (Try typing the name of the disease or condition in the Search field at the top of this page, or check our A-Z listing). 
• If you feel anxious or you find it difficult to communicate because of language difficulties, it may help to take a family member or close friend with you.
• Be aware of your own and your family's medical history. 
• If you have a chronic illness, consider keeping a record of your contacts with health professionals in a notebook.

During the visit

• Tell the doctor you have some questions. 
• Write down the answers if you don't trust your memory - most people remember only about half of the information given to them.
• Tell the doctor if you are currently in consultation with or receiving treatment from another doctor, other health professional or any practitioners of alternative or complementary medicine. 
• Your doctor should provide a clear explanation of your condition, planned treatment, alternatives available and possible side effects. 
• If you think you may not be able to follow any instructions tell the doctor immediately to avoid problems later. 
• Before leaving, make sure you have a clear idea of your treatment plan and also any recommended reading materials that may assist you in understanding or coping with your condition. 
• If there are several drugs you must take or other complicated treatments to follow, ask the doctor to write them down for you.

After the visit

• Don't be afraid to call the doctor between visits with any concerns. 
• Make a list of recommendations by the doctor and keep this visible (eg, on fridge). 
• Trust and respect is important in a doctor-patient relationship. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor it may be worth seeking a second opinion or finding another doctor. 
• Different people are suited to different doctors - find someone who you can relate to. 
• Follow the doctor's suggestions to the best of your ability. 
• You are ultimately responsible for your well-being. 
• Remember, doctors are human beings too!

Original material provided by the New Zealand Kidney Foundation, edited by everybody and reviewed March 2006.