PAARCC Pro Tips: Medical Appointments

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Download the .pdf guide

Medical appointments can involve an overwhelming amount of information!

Try using these templates and cheat sheets to gather your information and prepare for your appointments.

All of these are included inside the .pdf guide!

Making Appointments

Before you call

If scheduling calls are difficult for you, you are not the only one. Try our appointments  template to help

Keep track of all your providers in one place. Try our Provider Contact Sheet

Know what you need from the call:

• Which doctor or provider do you want to see?
• What location you normally go to?
• What reason are you making this appointment?
• If there are options: do you want the appointment in-person or virtual?

Prepare information they might need:

• When you are available for the appointment
• Insurance (group + member ID)
• Your phone number

During the Call

Be ready to take notes before you call

If you struggle to word things, you can use a script. We have examples below!

Be prepared to wait

• Silence is normal, but be prepared for weird music or recorded voice messages
• You can switch to speakerphone in a safe place, or use earbuds
• It’s okay to do another quiet activity while waiting.

Refer to your notes when answering questions

Make sure you ask your own questions (e.g., Do I need to fast? What do I need to bring?)

Confirm you understand next steps before ending the call

After the Call

Write down appointment details

Write down instructions

Preparing for Appointments

Bringing Support

Consider if you want to take someone into the appointment with you for support

They can:

• Help you to communicate, back you up, and support you
• Help if you become overloaded Help you process the information later

Healthcare advocates may be available and can offer help. Example: Joey's Friends

Contacting Your Provider Ahead of Time

If you can, try to send your questions ahead of time online or by email so you feel less pressure during the appointment.

Prepare What You Want to Discuss

What is the main goal of this visit? Are there other things you’d like to address today?

Symptoms and/or concerns:

• Make a list of questions or symptoms beforehand to use during the appointment. You can use our Provider Discussion Sheet template!
• Consider writing these down in everyday life or when you think of them, so it is easier to remember when preparing for your appointment later. Health tracker apps can help with this.

What questions do you want to make sure you ask?

You can write down exactly how you want to say things. We have examples below under "Script Suggestions".  

Practical Planning

Make a transportation plan

Prepare information they may need. Try our Medical Background Info Cheat Sheet

• ID and insurance cards
• Medication list (prescription, over-the-counter, and supplements)
• Medical history

Remember to bring sensory items, like ear plugs or ear buds

During Appointments

Before your appointment begins

You may be asked for your ID and insurance cards

You may be asked to fill out forms before your appointment.

See our medical overview cheat sheet!.

Be prepared to wait:

• Bring something to pass the time in waiting room
• If needed, use sensory items (like ear buds or plugs)

When you see the doctor or medical professional

Bring your prepared notes to the appointment. See our Provider Discussion Sheet

If you came in with multiple goals: which one is the most important to address?

It’s okay to ask questions, you should understand:

• Risks and benefits
• Treatment goals
• Details about any procedures

Ask how to contact them to ask questions that come up after the appointment.

It’s okay to take notes during your appointment.

See if your doctor offers handouts with information about what was discussed during the appointment

Ask if there are follow-up steps (e.g., scheduling an appointment, getting a new medication)

Write down next steps before leaving If needed, make a reminder to schedule the next appointment, or schedule it before leaving the office

After your appointment

Write down your notes for next time right after your appointment. See our Post-Appointment Sheet

Review the outcome and your understanding with a trusted person.

Script Suggestions

Scheduling

Getting Started:

Hi, my name is [Name], and I am calling to [schedule/reschedule/cancel] an appointment with [doctor name]

If You Don’t Understand / Need Time:

Can you repeat that more slowly?

I need a moment to write that down.

Can you spell that?

If They Ask Something Unexpected:

I’m not sure. Can you explain what you need?

Finishing the call:

Can you confirm the date and time?

Is there anything I need to bring?

Is there anything I need to do before the appointment?

During your Appointment

Setting priorities:

“I want to make sure I cover this during the appointment.”

If things go off track:

“Can we go back to my main concern?”

Asking for more information:

“Can you explain that more simply?”

“Can you write that down?”

If overwhelmed:

“I need a moment.”

Follow-up questions:

“What do I need to do after this appointment?”

“Do I need to change medications?”

“How often should I come back?”

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