Preparing for your physician's visit

MS patients have to visit doctor's office most often as its a chronic disease so doctors more likely to see their patients at regular intervals. Before you make a visit to your doctor be prepared with the list of symptoms and issues that are troubling you. If you are living with MS, then you have to visit doctor's office more often than you might prefer. It is part of living with any chronic disease. Many neurologists like to see their patients at regular intervals. To have a positive benefit from any appointment, you need to develop a system of preparation that works well for you and your doctor. For that you can create a 'doctor visit sheet' which helps to keep track of what's going on with your health, gives you a dated record, and helps your doctor in giving you the best care possible. In the best of all possible worlds you and your doctor would work to keep you as healthy as possible. You also have to learn to do your part by preparing for appointments, writing things down, and being as clear as you can in explaining your symptoms and issues. rnWhat information should I include on the doctor visit sheet? 1) Personal Information: a) Your namernb) Date of the appointmentrnc) Your occupation and/or hobbiesrnd) Your insurance coverage 2) Current Medications and Supplements: a) Prescription medications- name of medication, dosage and frequencyrnb) Supplements- like vitamins and herbals, include dosage and frequencyrnc) As needed medications- name of medication and dosage, include these medications even if you haven't needed them recently. 3) Reason for Today's Visit: a) Is this a follow-up visit? Is your visit to address a specific concern?rnb) Did you have any tests? List them here to remind yourself to ask for the results. 4) Since the Last Visit: a) Most important section of your doctor visit sheet.rnb) Describe any changes (good or bad) in your health since your last visit. Do you have new concerns or symptoms? Have any of your symptoms improved?rnc) List any significant medical events/tests done since your last visit, include the dates.rnd) Share any additional information which pertains to your overall health, not just MS-related concerns. rn5) Symptoms:rna) Use this section to track how your symptoms have changed over time.rnb) List new symptoms, continuing symptoms, and symptoms which may have resolved. Don’t be bashful Anything that's of concern to you, including problems with your mood, sexual function, thinking, memory and bladder or bowl function is of interest to healthcare team. If you’re not sure what’s related to your MS and what’s not, ask your doctor or nurse to help you sort it out. Patient Bill of Rights To be treated with respect.rnTo have and to express my feelings and opinions.rnTo be listened to and to be taken seriously.rnTo set my own priorities.rnTo say no without feeling guilty.rnTo ask for what I want.rnTo get what I pay for.rnTo ask for information.rnTo make mistakes.rnTo choose not to assert myself.rnTo change my mind. Patient Bill of Responsibilities To keep scheduled appointments.rnTo be honest with the doctors and other health-care workers.rnTo give information about my experience and condition as clearly and briefly as possible.rnTo respect the doctors and health-care workers.rnTo understand that no one has all the answers to MS.rnTo follow the treatment plan agreed upon.