Showing up to your medical appointments and communicating with your health care provider on a regular basis is essential to staying health, minimizing treatment-related side effects and increasing your chance of treatment success. Here are some recommendations that will help you get the most out of your appointments with your medical provider.

• BE PREPARED. Writing down questions and concerns before your appointment and prioritizing what you want to discuss is an efficient use of your appointment time. Discussion items can include things like: medications you are taking, symptoms you are having, and changes in your living and work environment. Consider taking notes during your appointment.
• Describe your symptoms by being specific. Consider keeping a journal or diary of your symptoms.
• BE OPEN. Your health care provider needs to know everything that is going on so that they can provide appropriate care to you. If you are having feelings of depression or consuming drugs and alcohol, it is important to disclose this information so they can help you get the best result from your treatment.
• Maintain a copy of your health records. Especially recent copies of labs or imaging. Bring these copies to your visits as a reminder to discuss the results.
• Make sure you keep your appointments to complete lab work and medical tests.
• Consider taking a family member or friend with you. It can be helpful to have someone else listening or taking notes so you can concentrate on the information being provided.
• If you are uncomfortable with a treatment plan that is presented, it is vital that you voice your concerns immediately. If you remain hesitant after your concerns are addressed, ask if there are any alternatives to consider.
• Ensure you have requested contact information for someone on the health care team who may be able to answer questions after your appointment and during treatment.