"I learned to see life in a different way."
Living Well with MS
Thinking Ahead! Tips to Prepare for Your Next Office Visit
"Be prepared" may be the official motto of the Boy Scouts of America, but it's also sound advice for those who are living well with MS.
"The tip I always tell people before they visit their neurologist is to 'do some prepwork ahead of time,'" explains Jennifer Smrtka, MS, APRN-BC, ANP, Faculty Nurse Practitioner at Columbia University Multiple Sclerosis Clinical Care Center. "A little preparation can go a long way towards helping you make the most of your next office visit."
Take a moment to review the following helpful tips from Jennifer, and make your next trip to the neurologist's office a successful one!
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Write Down Your Questions.
"You should write down all of the questions you have for the doctor," says Jennifer. "But, it's imperative that you prioritize them before you go for your office visit."
Between the examination, review of an MRI, and doing any necessary lab work-ups, you don't have much "spare time" left during a standard visit to the neurologist's office. By writing down your questions and prioritizing them, you give yourself a better chance of having your top issues addressed before you leave the office.
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Do Your Homework!
Don't worry. Odds are your neurologist isn't going to spring a pop quiz on you, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do your homework. If you haven't already done so during a previous office visit, take some time to prepare the following information for your neurologist. By doing so, you will give your doctor the background information necessary to provide you with optimum care
- A list of current medications (including dosages, frequency taken, and names of medications requiring a refill)
- A list of medication allergies
- A medical history for three generations of your family (e.g., you/siblings; your children; your parents/aunts/uncles)
- A copy of your most recent MRI
- A copy of your medical records (faxed from your other health care provider(s) to your neurologist's office)
- Your up-to-date treatment journal
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Don't Go it Alone.
It is a great idea to bring a spouse, significant other, or trusted family member or friend with you during your visit.
"Have someone with you that you trust implicitly," explains Jennifer. "The other person will hear things that you don't. Plus, your family member or friend can take notes while you ask questions, which can be very helpful."
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Make the Paperwork Work for You.
For those people who will be visiting with their neurologist for the first time, it's a good idea to discuss the paperwork with the office staff before you arrive for your appointment.
"Sometimes filling out the initial paperwork alone can take up to an hour," says Jennifer. "Find out how early you should arrive at the office. You can also ask if they can provide you with any paperwork in advance. This could save you both time and energy."
