YOU CAN MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY DOCTOR VISIT
Partner with your doctor and be your own best advocate.
A good relationship with your healthcare team can help you take charge of your appointments and treatment plan. Tracking your symptoms and following up with your doctor are great steps in managing your visits.
Taking Control of Your Healthcare
Patients should feel comfortable with their healthcare team to make their health a priority. If you’re not getting the support you need, or feel your current team is not a good fit, consider switching to another doctor. It is your right to seek another opinion or switch doctors—and many understand that some patients need to find the best care for them. Once you find the right gastroenterologist for you, work with them as a team towards remission.
Find out about a treatment option for moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and moderate to severe Crohn’s disease.
Types of Appointments
Every doctor’s visit may not be the same, so you may prepare differently for each appointment. Different types of visits may include:
- Initial Consultation
- Second (or more) Opinion
- Routine Check-up
- Inflammation Assessment (such as a colonoscopy)
- Follow-up
- To review test
- Discuss treatment, etc.
- Symptom Visit
- Review symptoms
- Discuss medication changes
If you feel you need to alter your appointment schedule based on your symptoms, treatment questions, or other concerns, don't hesitate to be your own best advocate and contact your GI practice to request a schedule that works best for you. And know that there are helpful resources our there for you to help you keep the momentum going—like making a personal action plan.
What to Do Before, During, and Immediately After Your Doctor Visits
- If you’re a new patient, check to see if your insurance is accepted and be ready to provide your medical history.
- Bring a log of your symptoms and how they affect you to each appointment—even ones that may seem unrelated to your condition. The Doctor Discussion Guide or making a personal action plan can help.
- Keep a log of questions in between appointments to help you remember what you want to ask. Questions could include things related to your symptoms, treatment, insurance, etc.
- Make sure the office staff knows the nature of your concerns when scheduling appointments. A first visit will need more time than a follow-up or a routine check-up.
- Consider bringing a friend or relative to your appointments to help you take notes, help you discuss your concerns, and talk with your healthcare team.
Stay on Top of Your Health and History
