Frequently asked questions

• Your health insurance card
• A list of the topics you want to talk about and of the important information you want to give. We encourage you to use the Getting ready form to have an idea of what you could be asked and to remember everything you want to say.
• An up-to-date list of your prescribed medications. Your pharmacy can print this list for you at no charge.
• A list of any over-the-counter medications (e.g., Tylenol, Advil) and natural health products (e.g., glucosamine) you are taking. You can also take photos of the labels or containers.
• Paper and a pen to write down important information you receive during your appointment. You can also take notes directly on your mobile device (tablet or phone).

It’s a good idea, if you're comfortable discussing your health in front of that person. Having someone with you can help you remember information provided during the appointment. For example, the person with you could take notes during the visit.

• Keep your Getting ready form handy or open on your mobile device.
• At the very start of your appointment, let your healthcare professional know that you have information to share and questions to ask. If you wait until the end, there may not be enough time to discuss everything.
• It's up to you to decide if you want to share your Getting ready form with your healthcare professional. The form is a tool for you.

The Getting ready form lists 12 questions. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

• The Getting ready form is in PDF format. It can be difficult to complete this type of document unless you install an app designed for PDFs (e.g., Adobe Acrobat ).
  We recommend using a computer to download and save the Getting ready form. You can then open the form using Adobe Acrobat, complete it directly on-screen, and save your information.
• You can also take a photo (screenshot) of the blank form and use the image as a reminder to prepare the information you'd like to share with your healthcare professional. Alternatively, you can write your answers to each question on a separate sheet and bring it to your appointment.

• No, it's not possible to email the Getting ready form to the clinic or healthcare professional before your appointment, unless you have access to the clinic's patient portal and it accepts patient messages.
• Remember that the Getting ready form does not replace a medical consultation. You will not receive any feedback from the clinic after filling out the form. You must wait until you meet with your healthcare professional to discuss your Getting ready form.

That depends on you and your healthcare professional. If you're unsure, ask your professional directly.