What to bring to your healthcare provider visit

Suggestions of what to bring include:

• A list of your medicines

• A list of other healthcare providers you see

• Information about your family history

• A list of questions you have and anything you want to tell your healthcare provider

• A family member or friend to help you

• Copies of records and tests from other hospitals or healthcare providers 

Gather your health history

To do this:

• Write down all the medicines and supplements you take. Include the dose and number of times a day you take it. Or put everything in a bag and take it with you. Include all pills, creams for the skin, and eye drops.

• Make a list of names of other healthcare providers you see for treatment.

• Make a list of your health conditions, past hospital stays, surgeries, and allergies. 

• Make a copy of all your medicines, allergies, and surgeries for your healthcare provider to have on file. 

Gather your family history

Write down your name and the names of your brothers and sisters. Below that, write the names of your parents, aunts, and uncles. Below that, write the names of your grandparents. Next to each name, write the person’s date of birth and list any health problems you know about. If the person has died, note the date and cause of death.

Organize your thoughts

Make a list of what you want to tell your healthcare provider and questions you want to ask. Mention how you’ve been feeling since your last visit. Speak up about any changes you’ve noticed, new symptoms you have, or anything else the healthcare provider should know.

A family member or friend can help

Ask a family member or friend to come with you to the healthcare provider. They can:

• Drive you to and from your visit

• Make you feel comfortable and more confident

• Remind you what you planned to tell or ask

• Take notes

• Help you remember what the healthcare provider says

Healthcare providers

Healthcare providers give general medical care. They guide patients through the medical system.

Healthcare providers can be doctors:

• Family practice doctors

• Internal medicine doctors

• Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYN)

• Specialists who focus on one part of the body or one type of procedure (such as surgeons and cardiologists) 

Healthcare providers can also be other trained medical professionals:

• Physician’s assistant or associate (PA)

• Physical therapist (PT)

• Nurse practitioner (NP)

• Nurse (RN or LPN)

• Certified nursing assistant (CNA)

• Social worker

• Speech therapist

• Psychologist

• Dietitian (RD)