Planning For Your Visit

P - Prepare for your visit

Write down your main concerns or questioins
Make a list of all your medicines and suppliments or bring them with you
Think about bringing a support person
Ask for a translator if needed

L - Let your health professional know

If you don't understand
If there is anything else you can tell them about your health condition
If you are having problems with your medication

A - Ask Questions

What is my condition?
What happens next?
Why is that important?

N - Note Down

What you need to do next
Any decisions you have made together
Things that are important for you to remember
How your family/whanau can support you

On your visit

Remember ITS OK TO BE SICK
Doctors are people too

Feel comfortable with your doctor

Remember you have been allocated a certain time for your appointment. (15 mins unless you ask for an extended appointmnet)

Do prioritise your health issues

Do be clear about your symptoms

What has changed
When do the symptoms occur
Is there pain
How much pain
When did it start
How often does it happen

Do listen carefully and ask questions

Questions your doctor may ask

My previous medical history
My previous surgical history
My medications
My family history
My allergies
My smoking status
My obsteric history
My screening gistory
Cervical smears
Breast screening
My immunisation status
How much alcohol I consume
Any new skin lesions
My occupational history

Medicine related questions

What is the name of my medicine and what is it for?
Can I explain what it says on the medicine label
How and when do I take it
How long do I need to take it for?
What could happen if I stop taking it?
What should I do if I forget to take it?
What are the side effects? What should I do if you get these?
What do I need to avoid while I am taking the medication?
What if the medication is too expensive for my budget?
What do I do if my medication looks different from what I normally get?
When should I call my doctor?