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Making the most of a medical appointment
Below are some tips on how to make the most of a doctor’s appointment.
Before the visit
- Write a list of the questions you both have so you don’t forget them during the actual appointment. For suggestions, see the question checklists in our Cancer Council booklets.
- Work out your most pressing questions as time may be limited. Ask for a longer appointment if you have a lot of questions.
- Do some research so you can ask informed questions. Find reliable information sources here.
- Keep a record of the medicines the person is taking, including any vitamins and complementary therapies. Note the dose and any side effects.
- Check with the receptionist that the health professional has received results for scans, blood tests and other tests.
- Record any recent changes in the person’s condition or symptoms so you can tell the health professional about them.
During the visit
- Take notes or ask the health professional if you can record the discussion (many mobile phones have a recording function).
- Write down any specific instructions.
- Check who to contact if you are worried about any changes and ask for an after-hours number.
- Clarify anything you don’t understand.
- Ask the health professional if they can give you printed material or tell you where to find more information.
- Check what changes in the person’s physical condition you should watch out for and what to do about them.
- Look over the list of questions you brought along to check that they have all been answered.
After the visit
- Review your notes.
- Discuss the visit with the person you are caring for. If you have any questions, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
- Call the health professional for test results, if appropriate.
- Record the next appointment in a diary or calendar.
- Contact the health professional about changes or side effects.
Listen to our podcasts on Cancer Affects the Carer Too and How to Help Someone with Cancer
More resources
Dr Laura Kirsten, Principal Clinical Psychologist, Nepean Cancer Care Centre, NSW; Mary Bairstow, Senior Social Worker, Cancer Centre, Fiona Stanley Hospital, WA; Anne Booms, Nurse Practitioner – Supportive and Palliative Care, Icon Cancer Centre Midland, WA; Dr Erica Cameron-Taylor, Staff Specialist, Department of Palliative Care, Mercy Hospice, Calvary Mater Newcastle, NSW; Tracey Gardner, Senior Psychologist, Cancer Counselling Service, Cancer Council Queensland; Louise Good, Cancer Nurse Consultant, WA; Verity Jausnik, Senior Policy Officer, Carers Australia; David Larkin, Cancer Supportive Care Manager, Canberra Region Cancer Centre, Canberra Hospital and Health Service, ACT; Kate Martin, Consumer; John McMath, Consumer; Simone Noelker, Physiotherapist and Wellness Centre Coordinator, Ballarat Regional Integrated Cancer Centre, VIC; Tara Redemski, Senior Physiotherapist – Cancer Care, Gold Coast University Hospital, QLD; Dean Rowe, Consumer; Chris Sibthorpe, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council Queensland.
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