Your PCP is an expert when it comes to practicing medicine, but you are the best expert on yourself.
By being an active participant in your own healthcare, you can get what you need from each appointment, help your provider better understand your health concerns, and work with your provider to choose the best treatment options.
Here are some tips that will help:
- Arrive early. Try to arrive about 10 minutes early, especially if it’s your first appointment. This will give you time to fill out any health history forms and make sure your contact information is up to date.
- Keep records. If your appointment has to do with a specific health concern, it may help to keep a record of your symptoms and bring it with you to the appointment.
- Prepare a list of questions ahead of time, so you can remember everything you want to ask. And remember, no matter what your question is, your clinician has heard it before.
- Put your biggest concerns first. Always talk about your most important concerns at the beginning of the appointment.
- Make sure you understand any plans for treatment or follow-up. It’s okay to write down instructions or ask for a summary from the clinician.
- Be honest. To give you the care you need, clinicians sometimes need to ask some personal questions.
- Be prepared to make another appointment. Sometimes one visit won’t be enough to address your concern. It may be necessary to make a follow-up appointment.
- Ask for an interpreter if you need one. Foreign language and sign language interpreters are available at MIT Health. For a regular, weekday appointment, use our online form to request an interpreter in advance. The interpreter will be ready to begin when you arrive. You can also ask for an interpreter when you check in or at any time during your appointment.