Preparing For A Medical Appointment (Page 3 of 4) in pdf

PREPARING FOR A MEDICAL APPOINTMENT

During the appointment, help the person and health care professional.

10.

□ A. Introduce yourself to both the office nurse and the treating health care professional so they know who you are. Let them

know you are there to help both the individual and the health care providers.

□ B. Set the tone. State, “We are here today because…” or ask “What routine tests should be scheduled for someone this

age?”

□ C. You may have to “reboot” the healthcare professionals as to who the individual is and why you are there. It is not

uncommon for a doctor/ARNP to forget the details of a person’s situation. Be friendly and cooperative – remember the

outcome you want from this appointment!

□ D. State your information in a clear and focused way – do not be distracted by casual conversation. Read from your list if

necessary!

□ E. Feel good about asking questions! If necessary, remind the doctor/ARNP that you have to explain this information to

other caregivers and to the guardian.

□ F. If needed, assist the individual during the appointment. Provide information to the health care professional when asked

and/or help the individual to answer questions. If you do not know the answers to the questions, tell him/her you will find out

and get this information! As how best to contact him/her between appointments!

□ G. Make sure to give the nurse/MD a release of information and ask them to fax their notes back to your agency

Obtain the written results of the appointment and the written recommendations:

11.

□ A. Obtain the completed forms. Write down any information that is given to you that is not on the forms.

□ B. Do not leave until you understand instructions. Make sure what they wrote is what they told you.

□ C. If the doctor/ARNP orders medications or treatments, ask yourself the 7 Important Questions about the new meds - do

you have everything you need?

□ D. BEFORE you leave the room, re-read your list and make sure you have covered every thing and that you feel confident

that you could explain everything that happened at the appointment to someone else.

□ C. Pick up any prescriptions. Make sure the med list written matches the prescriptions unless deliberately changed.

□ D. Get a copy of lab work!

□ E. Please remember to get signed doctors’ orders for all prescriptions and treatments

□ F. Set up another appointment with the receptionist if needed

Page 3 of 4

New Hampshire Bureau of Developmental Services

Preparing For A Medical Appointment Page 3