Bring Your Questions to Visits

Visits can move quickly, so a little preparation helps. Before you go, write down your recent numbers, any symptoms and your questions. Bring those notes with you.

A trusted family member or care partner can come along too. This person can listen, ask questions and help you remember what your doctor said.

A short story of getting ready for a visit, choosing whether to bring a messy log and a family member.

Your doctor can set a personal target for blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. A target is a goal to aim for, not a grade on a test. It fits you the way a shoe size fits one foot.

Your doctor works out your target with you. It is not something to guess at home. Ask your doctor what yours are, and why they fit you.

Bring a full list of every medicine you take. Include supplements and vitamins too, even the ones you buy without a prescription.

Write the name of each one, and bring the list to every visit. Your doctor can review the whole list with you at once. Ask your care team how often to update it.

Key takeaways

• Bring recent numbers, symptoms and questions to each visit.
• Your doctor can set personal targets, so ask what yours are.
• A complete medicine and supplement list lets your doctor review everything at once.

Try it

Today, write one question about your personal targets and add it to your visit notes.