Making The Most Of Doctor’s Visits

Most older adults visit the doctor regularly – for checkups, monitoring chronic illnesses, or when new symptoms develop.

Some prefer to meet with the doctor privately. Others like to have a family member present for all or part of the appointment. If your relative has Alzheimer's disease or a hearing impairment you can make sure he or she understands what the doctor is saying.

SCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

Try to schedule medical visits early in the day to avoid long waits and give you and your relative time to fill out medical history and insurance forms. Take along books, magazines or craft projects to pass the time in the waiting room.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK

Before the appointment help your family member write down any symptoms or health concerns he or she has.

This information can help the doctor diagnose the problem:

• What are the symptoms?
• When did symptoms begin?
• How often and when do they occur?
• What makes them better or worse?
• What home or over-the-counter remedies you have tried?
• Do symptoms interfere with your relative's daily life?

BEFORE THE VISIT

If possible schedule any tests that need to be done before the appointment so the doctor will be able to discuss the results with you and your relative. Bring a list of all the medicines your relative takes – including over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal preparations. Your pharmacy can provide a list of all the prescription medicines your relative takes. Some doctors ask you to bring the actual medications to the appointment.

Don't forget your relative's:

• Current health insurance information.
• Medical records from other doctors who have provided recent care.
• Records from recent hospitalizations or emergency room visits.
• Glasses, hearing aids, canes and other assistive devices.
• A list of questions you and your family member have and a notepad to write down the answers.

QUESTIONS FOR THE DOCTOR

Ask the doctor to explain what he or she thinks is wrong with your family member and what may have caused it.

Other important questions:

• Will any tests be needed? What do they involve? When will the results be available?
• What treatments are available?
• Will surgery be required?
• How effective are the treatments? Are there side effects?
• Should my relative see a specialist?
• What causes this condition? Can it be cured?
• Can you recommend any publications about this disease?
• Should my relative see a specialist about this condition?

A little homework before a medical appointment will help you and your relative get answers to important health questions about your relative's health and make certain that he or she gets the best possible care.