Checklists for a good doctor's visit
An important part of living well with diabetes is visiting your doctor every three to six months to:
- review your diabetes treatment plan
- have a foot exam
- check on your height, weight and blood pressure.
These checklists can help you get the most out of your next doctor's visit.
Before the appointment
Prepare three lists and make copies for you doctor.
- Medicines you take: Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and any vitamins or supplements. Note how much you take (dose) and how often.
- Allergies you have: Although your doctor may have a similar list in your medical records, it's good to keep it updated and remind your doctor of any changes.
- Questions or concerns about your medical or emotional care you would like to discuss: For example, What's my blood pressure? When was my last hemoglobin A1c? I've been feeling tired, sad or not interested in life. I'm having trouble exercising every day.
Set aside a notebook and pen or pencil to bring with.
MyChart makes doctor's visits easier
MyChart, a Web-based service by Allina Hospitals & Clinics, can help make it easy to get ready for your next doctor's visit.
- Schedule Allina clinic appointments any time from any computer with Web access.
- Keep track of your health. You can see and print out up-to-date information about your allergies, immunizations, diagnosed health issues and your medicines.
- See lab reports as soon as your doctor has reviewed them – without waiting for the mail or playing phone tag.
Sign up for MyChart at your Allina clinic, or download the sign-up form at allina.com/mychart and mail it in. Once your sign-up form is processed, you'll receive an activation code and instructions on how to begin using MyChart.
For a demo, visit allina.com/mychart.
During the appointment
Give copies of your three lists to the nurse to give to the doctor.
Remove your shoes while waiting for the doctor in the exam room.
Remove your stockings when the doctor arrives. This will remind him or her to check your feet.
Go over the lists with your doctor.
Note answers to questions or concerns in your notebook.
Ask for lab results and discuss any related questions or concerns.
After the appointment
Write in notebook what your doctor has told you to do.
Put lab results in folder and chart progress.
Schedule a follow-up appointment for any items that you and your doctor want to discuss further.
If you have a new prescription medicine
Go to the same pharmacy for all of your prescriptions.
Discuss with the pharmacist how to take the new medicine and if there will be side effects.
Show your list of medicines/vitamins to the pharmacist and ask if it's safe to take the new medicine with the ones on the list.
Dialog home page
 Diabetes care card
Where can I get help in managing my diabetes? Behavior change goals worksheet Blood glucose scale for type 2 diabetes worksheet My diabetes management plan worksheet
Source: Allina Patient Education, Diabetes: The Recipe for a Good Doctor's Visit, dia-ahc-53590; Allina Patient Education, Basic Skills for Living with Diabetes, fifth edition, ISBN 1-931876-16-9
First published: 06/15/2005
Last updated: 02/08/2010
Reviewed by: Mary Frederick, RN, MS, CDE, diabetes program manager, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education; Dawn McCarter, RN, BSN, CDE, diabetes program coordinator, Allina Medical Clinic - Diabetes Education
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