Proactive Patient Checklist

Print out this guide, bring it with you to your doctor’s appointment and chart your progress.

For a full explanation of these topics and tips for being a proactive patient, please click here.

Find a good doctor and medical facility

Get a recommendation from a friend, family member, neighbor, healthcare professional, or co-worker.

Do a background check on the American Medical Association website.

Query the doctor’s office for patient load, waiting time, and insurance concerns.

Query the medical facility about specialties, number of procedures performed, and services provided.

Be prepared and ask questions (Use the area on page two for your prepared questions)

Research health issues online and through non-profits & government agencies.

Bring reference materials with you to doctor’s appointments.

Bring past medical records and test results to a new doctor when possible.

Ask questions, questions, and more questions.

Questions to ask your doctor about medicines he/she prescribes.

What is the name of this medicine (brand name and generic alternatives)?

How does this medicine work?

When and how long should I take this medicine?

What foods and drinks should I avoid when taking this medicine?

What are the possible side effects of this medicine and how do I cope with them?

How do I know when this is medicine is working/not working?

Are there possible interactions with other prescription or non-prescription drugs?

Questions to ask your doctor about a medical test or procedure.

Please explain this test/procedure from start to finish.

Why is this test/procedure necessary?

Will this test/procedure require a hospital stay? If so, for how long?

What side effects/risks are possible with this test/procedure?

What is the estimated length of recovery from this test/procedure?

Is follow-up care necessary?

When will results of the procedure be available? (Be sure to follow up on this).

How many of this particular test/procedure have you (the doctor) performed?

Are there alternatives to this test/procedure?

When test results are returned: What do these results mean?

Specific Questions that you would like answered. (Write down your questions before your doctor’s appointment and then write down the answers for future reference.)

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Updated: May 17, 2009