Seeing a new doctor is nerve wracking – especially when you live with chronic illness and disability! Though a lot of the outcome will depend on your doctor, I’ve developed a system of things I do before seeing a new doctor that help me feel more prepared and help me use my (often limited time) the best that I can.

• Look at any complaints filled about them

This is an important one! When a doctor has had complaints filled against them for malpractice, harassment, etc, those are available via search. Even if they weren’t fired or lost their license, it stays on their record. Usually these are available through the state board and other licensing entities. For a guide to looking for this information, click here.

• Make a document with medications, surgeries, etc to print and take with you to the appointment

  This one saves me a lot of time filling out paperwork: they never have enough room for me anyway! It allows me to be able to sit down at home and make sure I put everything down (and correctly) and I’ll go back and make sure it’s up to date every couple of months. For an example of how I create mine, click here.

• Check to see if you can fill in forms beforehand

  Many places now allow you to e-CheckIn and/or fill out forms beforehand. It’s a lot less stressful to fill out forms at home than while nervous in the waiting room. If the doctor is part of a large network, like Mercy, then you can go to their app and fill out forms there. Some will automatically mail you new patient forms when you make an appointment. I recommend calling them before and asking if you can fill out your forms online or have them mailed to you.

• Look up the exact location of the clinic

  There have been a few clinics I’ve been to that are part of a large complex of clinics. I’ve admittedly been late to a couple because I went to the main hospital in the area they practiced in. Now I’m sure I look for the outpatient clinic they’re in now…

• Look at reviews – carefully

  Sometimes people leave bad reviews because doctors weren’t able to cure them, which isn’t always possible. Looking at reviews can be helpful – but do it carefully. If the reviews mention severe problems like neglect, then it might be wise to find another doctor. If it mentions something that sounds more like a personality clash, then it might not affect you. For example, a patient of one doctor I went to left a bad review citing that he was rude and spoke very directly; however, I tend to communicate directly as well so I had a pleasant experience. Either way, it can give you a slight idea of what to expect.

• Bring someone supportive with you

  This is another big one! Having someone to support you in difficult appointments makes it much easier on you and less draining. They can advocate for you, confirm your accounts of symptoms, etc, and help you remember anything you forgot. I usually tell my support person what I want to address in the appointment and questions I have prior to the appointment.

• Write a list of things you want to ask about

  In the stress of the moment, it’s easy to forget something you wanted to ask about. I recommend writing the questions you have, things you want to get done (vaccine, pap smear, etc) and symptoms that are bothering you.

With these completed, I tell myself that I’m fully prepared and there’s no more that I can do for the appointment. I’ll probably still have anxiety, but it helps to know that I’ve done what I can.