Being a good self-manager means being an active member of your healthcare team. Learn how to communicate and solve problems with your team of medical professionals, therapists and support from your community.

In order to get the best care possible from your medical team, you need to take an active role in your care. Doing so means coming to your appointments prepared. To make the most of your visit, try the following suggestions.

Preparing yourself for an Appointment

  • Make a list of two or three questions you need to have answered. Add to your list any symptoms, concerns or changes in your life that may have occurred since your last visit.
  • Be familiar with the name and dosage of medications you are taking (take your Medication List if you have prepared one). If you don’t feel like writing them down, your pharmacy can print it for you, usually without charge. If you do not have time, you can always bring your bottles with you. If you need repeat prescriptions, make a note to ask for them.
  • The doctor will ask you how you are. Make sure you have thought about this, and don’t just respond “Fine, thank you”. Think about what health states are important to you and prepare your answers in advance.
  • If you would like to address a problem that is really bothering you, keep a diary of the experience for the previous week. You will find it a lot easier to describe your problem when you look at it in writing. Examples of diaries for different problems have been given in different sections of this website.
  • Find a friend or a family member that can go with you. So much important information is exchanged during a healthcare meeting; one brain cannot always remember everything! Bring a second pair of ears to help you!

During the Appointment

  • Be honest. Don’t hide things that concern you. Your healthcare team is there to help you, not to judge you.
  • Have a pen and a paper and write down the answers. Take notes! Most people remember only about half of the information given to them.
  • Make sure your diagnosis and treatment plan are well understood. If you don’t understand something or if think you can’t follow any instructions, tell the doctor so that you avoid problems later on. If you will be taking any new medication, ask all questions you may have about it.
  • Write down the names of all the doctors and health professionals that you saw.

After your Appointment

  • Complete your notes while your memory is fresh.
  • Keep a list of recommendations given to you visible, e.g. on the fridge.
  • Don’t be afraid to contact your doctor or healthcare team between visits with any concerns.
  • If you were seeing a specialist, make sure you will be able to explain your visits to your family doctor if he or she did not leave any written summary for him or her.