Bring a short account
- What prompted this appointment?
- What have I already tried?
- What medicines and supplements am I taking?
- What earlier care or test results would I like to discuss?
Write down the things you tend to forget under pressure. A list on paper is enough; it does not have to sound medical.
Ask what the assessment needs
The group that represents state medical boards puts needed tests among the assessor’s responsibilities. Its guidance calls for doing those tests, making arrangements for them or asking another health professional to handle them. Medical boards receive this as guidance; it is not a nationwide law.
A referral is a request for another clinician or service to assess something. Ask who makes that request and how you will hear the result.
Ask about a decision that can wait
If you feel hurried, ask for the explanation and the quote to read after the visit. Note any question that has not been answered.
Choose questions to take along