Update the doctor

Will you or your client remember to tell the doctor about important things that may have occurred since your last appointment?  It is important for your primary care physician to have a complete picture of your medical history.  Has your doctor received the records from your visits with the specialist? 

Make a list of what has happened since the last appointment.  Include information about medical appointments with other providers, or trips to the emergency room.

Ask yourself:

Did your primary doctor receive the reports?

What sort of testing occurred during these visits, and do they have a copy of the results?

Were any changes made in medications or treatments?  Unfortunately, the primary physician does not always get the medical records. 

You may want to discuss with your primary doctor issues or concerns about visits to other providers.  Consider calling your primary doctor’s office ahead of your appointment to be sure copies of records were received.  Make sure that you have the dates of other visits when you call. 

Add any personal changes at home which may be of concern or have an effect on your or the client’s health, such as the loss of a family member, loss of employment, or the failing health of a loved one. 

Even these kinds of changes can play a role in symptoms, such as:

Fatigue or not sleeping well:  Why?  Is it insomnia or worry?

Weight loss or gain: Why?  Has there been a change in your diet? Are you eating more or less? 

Don’t dismiss the symptom, discuss it with the doctor.

It is important to make sure your doctor is aware of what is going on, while sticking to the point!