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• How to Plan for a Doctor Visit

Call: 1-800-892-3351.
TTY/TDD should call
1-800-216-1307.
Hours of operation are: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday.

How to Plan for a Doctor Visit

To help your doctor give you his/her best advice during an office visit, it’s best to come prepared. Before the visit, make a list that includes:

• Your reasons for the visit. Is it just a checkup or are you experiencing new or more severe symptoms?
• Your symptoms. Write down everything you can recall about your symptoms such as the type of pain, when it started, how long it lasts, how often you have it, possible triggers, and anything you are doing on your own for relief.
• Your questions. It’s easy to forget what you wanted to ask the doctor once you get there. Create a list of questions beforehand so you can get all of the answers you need.
• You current medication list. This will help prevent drug interactions and side effects.

A doctor visit should be a two-way discussion. Make sure you cover all of the issues listed above and ask many questions. Don’t be afraid to ask again if you don’t understand.

It is also important to be completely honest with your doctor about your symptoms, if you are taking your medications properly, and if you are following the doctor’s previous instructions.

Once the doctor prescribes a course of treatment, do not conclude the visit until you are clear about:

• The doctor’s specific instructions for diet, exercise, therapy, etc.
• The types of medical tests you need and how frequently you will need them. Also ask if the office uses a preferred test provider.
• Other medical providers you should see and recommendations for referrals.
• The types of medications you will need and if a generic equivalent is available.
• Your schedule for follow-up visits.

After your visit, if you still have questions, or don’t understand your doctor’s instructions, you can call the Care Assured Nurseline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-685-4258.