Page 20 - MCMcKinney Digest Guide

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Your Doctor Visit
Your doctor visit is your time
to ask questions about your healthcare. To be more engaged in your care, follow these tips.
WRITE down all questions BEFORE you see your doctor and choose a support person to help you ask questions, take notes, and remember instructions.
REMIND STAFF to WASH THEIR HANDS if you don’t see them do it. Be sure they wear CLEAN GLOVES before giving shots, touching wounds, or examining your mouth
or private parts.
Know What's Next!
Be sure you understand the WHEN, WHY, WHAT and HOW for any follow-up appointments or tests you will have.
• WHEN is your next FOLLOW-UP appointment? HOW will you get there?
• If you need TESTS, do you know WHEN you are scheduled for the TEST, WHY you need the TEST, WHAT to expect and HOW to prepare for it?
• If your doctor has referred you to a SPECIALIST, do you know WHEN your appointment is, WHY your doctor has referred you, WHAT kind of specialist you will see and HOW you will get there?
ASK your doctor to
EXPLAIN your diagnos
and plan of treatment
YOU UNDERSTAND. ASK for a translator to speak your language if needed.
Did Your Doctor Give
You New Medicines?
• Do you understand WHEN, WHY, WHAT, and HOW to take it?
• Are there any food or beverage LIMITS with the new medication?
TELL your doctor about ALL of
your prescriptions/over-the-counter meds, vitamins/supplements, HOW MUCH you take and HOW OFTEN.
SPEAK UP about any PAIN or other SYMPTOMS you are experiencing, how long you’ve had them, and any changes in your appetite, sleep, or energy level.
LEARN about your condition from the library or support groups. Visit nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus.
is UNTIL
YOUR DOCTOR VISIT