Prepare ahead to get the most out of your allotted time

Get Ready!

As you prepare for an appointment, simple lists can act as very effective tools. Take a moment and review our Changes to Discuss Form. (See: “General Forms” section.)  The list of topics allows you to think about your or your client’s, overall health before your appointment, and whether there have been any changes.

Have you or your client had any changes in these topics? If so, list approximate dates and add additional information if possible.  We are often unaware of changes in our daily habits or think nothing of them, and they are often forgotten when we get to the appointment.  Yet, even small changes can be indicative of a potential greater problem when put together by a doctor.

For example:

• Over a period of three months between appointments you might consider these following changes just an everyday or occasional occurrence
  
  
• Gaining weight or being unable to lose weight with diet/exercise.
  
  
• Constipation or fatigue.
  
  
• Feeling run down or cold all the time.
  
  
• However, a doctor may find these changes to be signs of potential symptoms of hypothyroidism.  Preparing a list can help you to remember certain changes to your overall health situation.  Perhaps only one change may relate to you, but it can be very helpful for the doctor to be aware of the change.
  
  
• Being organized can allow you to update your doctor of sudden or ongoing changes.