How to Prepare for a Doctor’s Visit

Before a Visit:

1. If you are not well, write down your symptoms and when they started.

• Are there any changes in your bodily routine or function (sleep problems, eating problems, other)? Consider mentioning any changes to the doctor at your appointment.
• Are there any medical conditions, especially those that have developed or been diagnosed since the last visit?  Mention any changes to the doctor at your appointment.

2.  Bring in a list of medications you are currently taking, the name of the physician who prescribed then, what they were for, how long you have been taking them and when the prescription ends.

• Don’t forget to list any non prescription medications, herbal supplements or minerals and vitamins you are taking.

At the Visit:

1.  Provide the doctor and nurses with your symptoms list, list of medications (if they   don’t already have it) and fill out any other necessary forms.

2.  When describing your symptoms, be concise.  Tell them when they started, what they feel like and answer questions as best as you can.

3.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions about things you don’t understand (tests, procedures, symptoms, diagnoses, medications, etc).

If Medication is Advised

1.  If you are prescribed any type of medication, make sure you know what they are for and that the doctor knows what other medications you are currently taking.

2.  Note information about the medications the doctor has prescribed.

• What is the medication called?
• What is the drug or treatment for?
• When should I take this medication? Is the time of day important?
• How is it administered?  Should it be taken with food or water?
• Are there food or drug interactions to be aware of?
• What are the side effects that are possible?
• What are the brand and generic names of this drug?
• Are there any changes needed regarding my current medications?
• Are there any activity, dietary or alcohol restrictions?
• How long will I have to take this medication?
• What should I do if I forget to take it?

Tests

1.   If tests are ordered, what are they for?
2.   Do you schedule the tests or do I?  How soon should I have them?
3.   What is the doctor looking for?
4.   How are the tests done?
5.   What information will the tests provide?
6.   How accurate is the test?
7.   Is there anything I should do to prepare for the tests?
8.   When will the test results be ready?
9.   Who will tell me the test results?

Medical Diagnosis

1.  What is the exact diagnosis and prognosis?
2.   Why do I have this problem?
3.  Make sure you understand all medical terms and conditions.
4.  What are the treatment options, their side effects and their benefits?
5.  How successful will the treatment be?
6.  What will happen if I don’t get treatment right away?
7.  What can I do to speed recovery?
8.  Should I make any dietary, lifestyle or medication changes?
9. Are there any specialists that deal with this kind of problem or situation?
10. When can I, or should I, meet with my doctor again?

Remember:  The information provided here is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice.  Always check with a doctor or appropriate professional you trust before making any healthcare related decisions.

How would you spend $100 million?

That’s how much health care fraud costs U.S. health plans every day.*
Who pays for it?  All of us.
You can help fight fraud.

• Ask questions about your medical care, such as:
  “What will this test tell me about my condition?”
• Be careful of offers for “free” health care services.
• Never sell or lend your medical ID card to another person
• Read your hospital and doctor bills carefully

*Source:  National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association.

How clean is it?*

Toilet seat:  49 germs per square inch

Keyboard:  3,295 germs per square inch

Telephone:  5,127 germs per square inch

Desktop:  20,961 germs per square inch

*Average numbers.  Source: GOJO Industries

Quitting Smoking Programs

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Health Partners

Preferred One

Smoking Cessation
Did you know-The health benefits over time?

• 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate and blood pressure drops.
• 12 hours after quitting: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting: Your circulation improves and your lung function increases.
• 1 to 9 months after quitting: Coughing and shortness of breath decrease; cilia (tiny hair-like
  structures that move mucus out of the lungs) regain normal function in the lungs, increasing the
  ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce the risk of infection
• 1 year after quitting: The excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's.

(http://www.cancer.org/docroot/SPC/content/SPC_1_When_Smokers_Quit.asp?sitearea=PED)

Average Transplant Costs

Average transplant costs vary a great deal from person to person and from area to area. Complications after surgery, how severe your rejection episodes are, length of hospital stays, and differences in hospital costs also vary greatly. The approximate range and average are: (cost listed in USA dollars)

Mayo Clinic “Find It Fast” Look up a disease or condition
www.mayoclinic.com