Preparing for your medical appointment means getting ready to clearly communicate the reasons for your visit. Knowing what to say ahead of time increases your chances of a better and more productive experience.
The Getting ready form is here to guide you. It helps you understand what you might be asked and what is important to say. It also helps you think about your needs and prepare your questions. With good preparation, you're taking charge of your health!
IMPORTANT: The form does not replace a medical appointment. The form will not be sent to your healthcare professional before your appointment. If you have an urgent medical issue, dial 911 to reach emergency services. If you need health information quickly and can't wait for your medical appointment, dial 811 to reach Info-Santé.
Being prepared to describe your symptoms, needs, and expectations makes your medical appointment easier. When your healthcare professional clearly understands your situation, they can offer care that's better suited to you.
Appointments are often short, so it's important to use every minute wisely!
The Getting ready form acts as a reminder, helping you remember all of the important details.
Knowing what to say or ask ahead of time helps you feel more comfortable and manage your emotions.
The Getting ready form helps you plan ahead what you want to discuss during your appointment and write it down. This way, you don't forget anything important during your visit, which can often be a stressful time!
The Getting ready form is designed to help you address one main health issue, but you can add other topics if needed. Here are examples of questions included in the form:
YES, the form will be helpful. Having your completed form with you during the appointment is a good idea. It will help you remember important points and clearly explain your situation.
YES, the form could be helpful. Reviewing the questions can help you identify anything new since your last appointment. You can use the form to write down any important points that you don’t want to forget.
YES, the form could be helpful so you don’t forget any of your medications. It can also help you discuss over-the-counter medications and potential interactions with prescribed medications. Reviewing the other sections of the form can also ensure you haven't forgotten anything important to discuss with your healthcare professional.
NO, the form probably won't be very helpful. However, reviewing the sections might help ensure you haven’t forgotten other issues you'd like to discuss with your healthcare professional.
* We thank the CIUSSS EMTL for their contributions to the project that led to the development of the Preparing for my appointment website.