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Dr. Visit Prep

Quick tips to get the most out of your doctor’s appointment

Does this ever happen to you? You are driving away from your doctor’s office and suddenly remember something you needed to tell him or her? We’ve all had this happen. For a Parkinson’s patient, visits to their neurologist or movement disorder specialist are often only on a yearly or twice yearly basis. That’s a long time between visits. We have a few suggestions for you as you prepare for a doctor visit:

• Make it a habit to record your symptoms, especially ones that seem out of the ordinary.
• Ask your caregiver to join you at the appointment as they often notice symptom changes you aren’t aware of.
• Bring a list of questions, including those you forgot to ask or the doctor didn't have time to answer during your last visit.
• Prioritize your questions in case there isn't time to address all of them in one visit.
• Bring all your prescription medications in their official, labeled containers, including pills, inhalers, eye drops, ointments, vitamins, supplements and herbs. Although not quite as efficient, a list is better than nothing.
• Keep and bring a dated journal about your progress . Better yet, track your medications on the Parkinson Medication App.
• Bring a pen and paper to write down important facts and your doctor’s instructions.